The Best Way to Consolidate Debt

August 27, 2018


The Best Way to Consolidate Debt

When debt is hanging over your head, and every dollar seems to go towards interest on your balances, paying down principal balances can feel like an impossible feat. With nowhere to turn, many people often consider consolidating debts to decrease monthly payments, lower interest rates and pay off balances faster. While consolidating debt can be a great option under certain circumstances, combining debts into one account comes with potential downsides. However, there are many ways and various options to manage multiple sources of debt.

Understand Your Financial Position

InCharge Institute of America, Inc., recommends that the first step you should take when considering debt consolidation should be obtaining a copy of your credit report and tallying up all the outstanding debts you currently hold.

Your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and other key factors will be used to determine if, and what, you qualify for when it comes to consolidating your debt through a financial institution. Understanding your situation as it stands will give you, and your potential lender, an initial feel for your financial solutions.

Consider Your Options

Before making the decision to consolidate your debts, consider every option on the table. With today’s housing market on the rise, home inventories low, and more interest rate hikes on the horizon, refinancing your home loan could be a viable option. Although the market may be slowing or peaking in some regions (take a look at houses for sale in Atlanta, Ga. for instance), in many areas the market is still relatively hot, so selling or refinancing could be options worth considering depending on your situation.

Reach Out to Friends and Family

Borrowing money from a family member or friend can be a personal challenge. Asking for help from those who know us best and who we interact with regularly can be a struggle as the fear of judgment or a debt weighing on a personal relationship can influence the way we communicate with one another.

However, many of us have an uncle, aunt, grandparent, or another family member in a much better financial position who not only is able to help but who would do anything they could to better your financial situation with a loan. We all are stubborn and often too timid to ask for help during financial hardships, but many times others would be happy to help.

Consider a Personal Loan

After working through all of the options, you may find yourself in need of a personal loan, assuming your credit score and other financial circumstances warrant taking out a loan. Firstly, you should determine your weighted interest rates on the debts you owe.

This can be quickly done by multiplying each outstanding debt by its current interest rate and dividing the sum of these numbers by the total debt you owe. Knowing your weighted interest rate will help you when financial institutions offer you a new rate on your consolidated loan. Usually, consolidating only makes sense if your new interest rate will be lower than your weighted interest rate. Also, variable interest rates should be taken into consideration. With more rate hikes expected in the near future, you may be able to get out of your variable rates by locking yourself into a lower fixed interest rate.

Conclusion

Consolidating debt is not for everyone. Financial situations are unique and require a lot of thought and several consultations to determine if consolidating is your best option. There are many debt consolidation websites, such as debt.org, to help you navigate this tough decision.

Sometimes merely paying down your debts, starting with the highest interest rate, may make more sense in the long run. Other times, consolidating may save you hundreds, or thousands, in the long run, while also creating a more sustainable payment plan in the short term.

Get your health on track with the Yunmai Premium Smart Scale

August 25, 2018



Get your health on track with the Yunmai Premium Smart Scale. The Yunmai Premium Smart Scale - Body Fat Scale with the new FREE APP & Body Composition Monitor with Extra Large Display makes it easier than ever to keep track of your weight goals. The current list price for this smart scale is $69.95 BUT we were given a code that can save you $20 off your purchase. Right now if you use the code dealym71 you can purchase it for just $49.95. Click HERE to order now. It is currently available in the colors black and also white, batteries are included.


10 Ways to Look at Healthy Body Measurements
Step on the scale, and within seconds it takes 10 different essential health measurements, giving you comprehensive data about your health. Body measurements are sent instantly to your smartphone each time you step on, making it easy to track weight loss and health progress.

Yunmai precisely measures Weight, Body Fat, Muscle Rate, Water, Bone Mass, Visceral Fat, BMR, BMI, Protein, Body Age. Bio-impedance sensors give you precise results, every time.

No Setup Needed
No need to bother with Wi-Fi or setup instructions to get started. Simply download our app to your smartphone, connect to Bluetooth, and have your stats within seconds of stepping on the scale.

Yunmai uses BIA(bioelectric impedance analysis), which is a commonly used technology. Please check with your doctor if you are pregnant, or have a pacemaker, electrocardiographs and/or other medical devices before use Yunmai. Only weight will be measured for users under the age of 18.



About the product
  • FDA Listed Smart Scale Brand. 5,000,000 + USERS AND COUNTING.
  • Yunmai APP Sync with Apple health, Fitbit, and Google Fit.
  • 10 Precision Body Measurements -- Body Fat, BMI, Muscle, Hydration, Bone mass and More.
  • 16 Users Tracking Management. Weigh yourself anytime WITHOUT the phone.
  • 5 Seconds Setup. Local Customer Service. Free exchange/return within 30 days.

As always keep it southern Y'all!



Get to know the BOSCH Premium Series Dishwashers available at Best Buy

August 24, 2018

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.


In the market for a new dishwasher? Best Buy has you covered with the line of BOSCH Premium Series Dishwasher that has been rated the world's #1 dishwasher brand. We ordered our new BOSCH Dishwasher this week and I can't wait to see the difference it makes in our kitchen chores! You might be asking yourself what makes Bosch the World’s #1 Dishwasher Brand? 

Quiet 
1) The quietest dishwasher brand in the U.S. 
2) 18 sound reducing technologies. 
3) InfoLight ® lets you know it’s running. 
Reliability 
1) Bosch is the most reliable dishwasher brand with the lowest repair rate according to a leading consumer publication. 
Design & Flexibility 
1) A variety of designs and door handle are available to fit any kitchen. 
2) 3rd rack adds 30% more loading area. 
3) Adjustable Rackmatic™ rack provides 9 adjustable positions giving you maximum loading flexibility. 
Performance 
1) Bosch owns 5 of the top 10 drying scores out of 160 tested dishwashers by a leading consumer publication. 
2) Condensation drying sets Bosch apart

Visit your local Best Buy or click the link posted in our article above to find out more information about the BOSCH Premium Series Dishwasher available at Best Buy. As always keep it southern Y'all!


DreamWorks Trolls: The Beat Goes On Season 3 premieres TODAY, August 24th only on Netflix!



DreamWorks Trolls: The Beat Goes On Season 3 premieres TODAY, August 24th only on Netflix!


Our favorite Trolls are back in all new hair-raising adventures in the third season of DreamWorks Trolls: The Beat Goes On! Six new episodes of this delightfully musical series premiere on Netflix this Friday, August 24. 



Get ready for a Friday night filled with fun for the entire family and what better way than with the loveable cast from DreamWorks Trolls: The Beat Goes On Season 3. Our family was also lucky to receive the Party Hair Poppy doll from Hasbro as an added bonus to help us celebrate. I'd also like to invite any of my readers that live in New York or that will be visiting there this fall to check out the DreamWorks Trolls The Experience coming this Fall. Visit TrollsTheExperience.com to find out more information and for discounted offers available to your family. Now let's all watch the happy, huggable trolls groove their way through some of life's most colorful lessons, exclusively on Netflix August 24.


DreamWorks Trolls: The Beat Goes On! returns with the voices of Skylar Astin (Pitch Perfect) as “Branch”Amanda Leighton (The Fosters, This Is Us) as “Poppy”, Kari Wahlgren as “Bridget”, Fryda Wolff as “DJ Suki” and “Satin/Chenille”Walt Dohrn as “Smidge”, David Koechner (The Office, Anchorman)  as “Buzby”, along with more of the colorful voice cast from the previous seasons. This season includes five new original songs and tons of more fun in Troll Village!


Synopsis: Poppy, Branch and all of Troll Village are back in all new hair-raising adventures in season 3 of DreamWorks Trolls: The Beat Goes On! While Branch must learn the ancient Trolls martial art of “hair-jitsu,” Smidge tries to impress her new crush, the village “critter-narian,” and DJ Suki sets out to stage the most awesome party ever.


About DreamWorks Animation Television:
DreamWorks Animation Television is one of the world’s leading producers of high-quality, animated family programming, reaching consumers in more than 190 countries.  Creating a diverse array of original content in a variety of formats and delivering deep, fully immersive worlds served up with compelling characters, the prolific studio has garnered 22 Emmy Awards since inception in 2013 and is home to such beloved series as Trollhunters, Spirit Riding Free, Trolls: The Beat Goes On!, The Boss Baby: Back in Business, Voltron Legendary Defender, Home Adventures with Tip & Oh, Harvey Street Kids, Dragons Race to the Edge, All Hail King Julien and The Adventures of Puss in BootsDreamWorks is a division of the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group within NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

Fun ways to spend your time on the internet

August 17, 2018

** this is a sponsored post **

photo courtesy of pexels
**Please note this is intended for the sole use of the individuals over 18.**

Have you ever been curious about using online casinos? Sure, you may have played in brick and mortar casinos before, but nothing beats playing from your own personal space any time of day or night. As a blogger, I am willing to admit I spend copious amounts of time on the internet daily, after all, it is my job. I'm also willing to admit all that time online is not spent working or doing research. Hey, a girls gotta have fun and unwind too from time to time, it can't always be about work and no play! While I'm not the biggest online casinos player, I do from time to time dabble in it to pass the time and just unwind in general. Did you know that online casinos are a great boredom buster and a way to keep your mind active and more alert? It may also increase your problem-solving skills, increase your memory and can help in stimulating the growth of new neurons in the brain. Plus there is the added bonus that I can do it in the privacy on my own house in my pajamas without putting on makeup or brushing my hair and you could also make some extra money by playing...don't judge! Also playing online there is a greater array of games for my entertainment since it is all virtual it also cuts down on your cost to play in general. This most definitely can help improve my mood, help me relax and improve my anxiety levels. Who knew playing games had so many benefits and could help make us much better people in general?

As always keep it southern Y'all!


Back to school with Friendly's Giveaway

August 15, 2018

This is a sponsored conversation shared by Wrapped Up N U on behalf of Friendly's K-Cups.

Welcome to the Warm up with Friendly's Vienna Mocha Chunk K-Cup Giveaway!
Prize: 1 winner will receive a box of Friendly's Vienna Mocha
Chunk K-Cup coffee.
Click here to read our thoughts on this coffee.



We all “love it when you like us or follow us” on social media! By following us on our social networks and by email we are able to get the best giveaways together on the internet! If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified. Please refer to the full terms and conditions on the giveaway widget. This giveaway is in no way endorsed, affiliated or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. You are not eligible if you have won a prize from the sponsor in the last 90 days. This Giveaway is valid in the United States Only and Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter.

Disclaimer: Wrapped Up N U nor any blog promoting this giveaway, is not responsible for the awarding of the prize. Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Wrapped Up N U received the product above to facilitate the writing of a review. Some of the links on this post may be affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may (at no cost to you) receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

As Always…Thank You For Visiting Today ~ Please Leave Some Comment Love While You Are Here!

Back to school with Friendly's Vienna mocha chunk flavored coffee

This is a sponsored conversation shared by Wrapped Up N U on behalf of Friendly's K-Cups.

Back to school means early mornings and lots of coffee for this mom! Who am I kidding that's just a normal day for me! But this coffee from Friendly's is extra special if you ask me. Believe it or not, this coffee that’s been infused with the flavor of coffee ice cream and rich mocha chunks. I know right? Hush your mouth! Coffee flavored ice cream! The current list price for the 40 count box of Friendly's Vienna mocha chunk flavored coffee is $31.42, that's just .79 cent per cup! Please be advised that prices are subject to change at any time.


There are currently have 7 different flavors in this line from Friendly's that include: Vienna Mocha Chunk, Butterscotch Swirl, Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl, Mint Chocolate Chip, Peppermint Stick, Sundae Nut and a Variety Pack. Friendly's Vienna Mocha Chunk was fashioned after the legendary Viennese coffee, an espresso drink made with cream and chocolate shavings. I personally love that it's a stronger blend of coffee. The flavors are not overpowering at all, it's the perfect rich, creamy indulgence. If you are a fan of ice cream this is the perfect flavor for you! A pro tip: try adding a scoop of ice cream to your coffee in place of creamer. make sure to enter our giveaway for your chance to win your own box by clicking here!

As always keep it southern Y'all!


HTML Five Star Back to School Giveaway


Are you ready for back to school? We are!  Thanks to Five Star, we have the back to school essentials we need to be successful at school!


Five Star® Interactive Notebook
Five Star® College Ruled Reinforced Filler Paper
Five Star® 3-inch Binder with Removable Padded Case
Five Star Flex® Hybrid NoteBinder®

If you are interested in learning more about Five Star products, please visit http://meadfivestar.com

We have partnered with Five Star for a fantastic giveaway, valued at approximately $50  Enter below and make sure to come back for the daily entries!

 Disclosure: We reserve the right to make revisions, to cancel, or suspend this contest for any reason. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received Open to the US 18+ only. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Random.org) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this giveaway. Reviewz & Newz (and any other blog participating) is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements. Entrants must only enter with either one email address, IP address and/or Facebook account, anyone found violating these rules will be disqualified. It is at the sole discretion of the admin of the giveaway if the winner has met the rules or not.  If you have any questions,please contact me here. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thirty-One Gifts Giveaway

Welcome to the Thirty-One Gifts GET CREATIVE Giveaway!
Are you a crafter looking for a way to store your projects? Then the new Get Creative portable storage line from Thirty-One Gifts was designed with you in mind. From knitting to scrapbooking and paper crafts these new products are designed for fashion and function! Take a look at the Get Creative line below and enter for a chance to win!
Enter The Giveaway!
ONE entrant will be selected from the entry form to win a Thirty-One Gifts Get Creative Prize Package. Open for entry in the US only and must be 18+ from 08/13/18 at 12:01 a.m. ET thru 08/31/18 at 11:59 p.m. ET. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. A winner will be chosen after/around August 31, 2018. The winner will have 24 hours to respond to notification email to claim their prize or a new winner will be selected. See Rafflecopter for official rules. The Kids Did It and participating bloggers are not responsible for sending the winner their prize. Twitter 'head' profiles and dummy accounts are ineligible for entry and will be blocked. Authentic accounts only are eligible to win. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Muppet Babies Giveaway


I remember watching "Muppet Babies with my oldest, who now can share it with his child (well soon he can they are expecting in a couple of months. But now almost 30 years after the Muppet Babies first won the hearts of kids and families around the world, Disney Junior's reimagined "Muppet Babies" chronicles the hilarious playroom antics of a young Kermit the Frog, Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo and Animal – plus a brand-new Muppet Baby, Summer Penguin. Under the watchful eye of Miss Nanny, the Muppet Babies use their imaginations to embark on countless adventures that take them to the farthest corners of the universe and demonstrate to young viewers the power and potential of imaginative play. 

The voice cast includes Matt Danner as Kermit the Frog; Melanie Harrison as Piggy; Dee Bradley Baker as Animal; Ben Diskin as Gonzo; Eric Bauzaas Fozzie Bear; Jessica DiCicco as Summer Penguin; and Jenny Slate as Miss Nancy. We are so excited to bring to you this opportunity to bring Muppet Babies: Time to Play home to your family, along with adorable plush babies - enough for everyone in your house to grab their favorite - or someone can actually own all four!


The Muppet Babies: Time to Play DVD includes: Episodes- Sir Kermit the Brave/Animal Fly Airplane Super Fabulous vs. Captain Icecube/Piggy’s Time Machine The Great Muppet Sport-A-thon/You Say Potato, I Say Best Friend Hatastrophe/Fly South Bonus Features: 2 Bonus Episodes- How Kermit Got His Groove/One Small Problem Playground Pirates/The Blanket Fort 10 “Muppet Babies: Show & Tell” Shorts- Kermit’s Show and Tell Piggy’s Show and Tell Fozzie’s Show and Tell Gonzo’s Show and Tell Summer’s Show and Tell Animal’s Show and Tell Kermit and Piggy’s Show and Tell Kermit and Fozzie’s Show and Tell Piggy and Gonzo’s Show and Tell The Great Muppet (Short) Musical 6 Music Videos- “What's So Scary About The Dark?" "Never Have To Say Goodbye (To The Summer)" "Get Back In The Game" "Good Things Come To Those Who Wait" "You Can Be A Dancer" "Muppet Pirate Shanty"

Just enter the giveaway using the form below for your chance to win: one Muppet Babies: Time to Play DVD, Animal Plush, Fozzie Bear Plush, Piggie Plush, and Kermit Plush. One winner will be randomly drawn. Must be 18 or older to enter. Only US addresses. All other terms and conditions as stated in the Giveaway tool. Money Saving Parent is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Good luck!

Muppet Babies: Time To Play! on DVD August 14th

August 14, 2018


Muppet Babies Make Their Dreams Come True!
MUPPET BABIES: TIME TO PLAY!

Bring Home on Disney DVD August 14th

Includes 2 Bonus Episodes, 10 “Muppet Babies: Show & Tell” Shorts and 6 Music Videos!

Muppet Babies was one of my favorite shows growing up....gosh am I telling my age? I hope you all had the chance to pick up your very own copy today! We can relive our youth with those fun Muppet Babies and relive the adventure with our own kids!

Synopsis: Almost 30 years after the Muppet Babies first won the hearts of kids and families around the world, Disney Junior's reimagined "MuppetBabies" chronicles the hilarious playroom antics of a young Kermit the Frog, Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo and Animal – plus a brand-new Muppet Baby, Summer Penguin. Under the watchful eye of Miss Nanny, the Muppet Babies use their imaginations to embark on countless adventures that take them to the farthest corners of the universe and demonstrate to young viewers the power and potential of imaginative play.



Voice Cast: Matt Danner as Kermit the Frog; Melanie Harrison as Piggy; Dee Bradley Baker as Animal; Ben Diskin as Gonzo; Eric Bauza as Fozzie Bear; Jessica DiCicco as Summer Penguin; and Jenny Slate as Miss Nancy



Executive Producer: Tom Warburton

Supervising Director: Matt Danner

Songwriter:                  Andy Bean

Composer:                          Keith Horn

Episodes:                     Sir Kermit the Brave/Animal Fly Airplane
Super Fabulous vs. Captain Icecube/Piggy’s Time Machine
The Great Muppet Sport-A-thon/You Say Potato, I Say Best Friend
Hatastrophe/Fly South

Bonus Features: 2 Bonus Episodes-
How Kermit Got His Groove/One Small Problem
Playground Pirates/The Blanket Fort

10 “Muppet Babies: Show & Tell” Shorts-          
Kermit’s Show and Tell
Piggy’s Show and Tell
Fozzie’s Show and Tell
Gonzo’s Show and Tell
Summer’s Show and Tell
Animal’s Show and Tell
Kermit and Piggy’s Show and Tell
Kermit and Fozzie’s Show and Tell
Piggy and Gonzo’s Show and Tell
The Great Muppet (Short) Musical

6 Music Videos-
“What's So Scary About The Dark?"
"Never Have To Say Goodbye (To The Summer)"
"Get Back In The Game"
"Good Things Come To Those Who Wait"
"You Can Be A Dancer"
"Muppet Pirate Shanty" 
               
Release Date:               August 14, 2018
Ratings:                                TV-Y (US)
Run Time:                           Approx. 92 minutes (not including bonus)
Aspect Ratio:                     1.78:1 Widescreen (Enhanced for 16x9 Televisions)
Audio:                                  English 2.0 Dolby, Latin Spanish 2.0 Dolby
Subtitles:                      English Line 21, English SDH, French S & Latin Spanish
Closed Captions:              English

SanDisk - Extreme 1TB External USB 3.1 Gen 2 Drive available at Best Buy

August 9, 2018

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.



Being both a blogger and a mom of 3 I take a ton of photographs, both for work and family related. So I'm sure you can understand how thrilled I was to get the chance to work with Best Buy on there SanDisk - Extreme 1TB External USB 3.1 Gen 2 Drive promotional campaign. To be very honest I was very shocked when I opened the packaged and realized how small and portable it truly is. Compared to a few other portable hard drives I own. I also love the fact that it is so rugged in design and it doesn't need to be babied like my older ones. It's easy to use and also portable! It's become my new best friend and has been a blessing at freeing up space on my other devices.


Product Specs:

1TB storage capacity
Provides plenty of space to store music and other media files.

USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C interface
Offers an easy-to-use connection to devices. Includes a USB Type-C to Type-C cable and a Type-C to Type-A adapter.

Up to 550MB/sec. read speeds
Enable a rapid response when updating files.

Water- and dust-resistant design
Boasts an IP55 rating and stands up to rain, splashes, spills and dust.

SecureAccess™ 128-bit AES encryption software
Helps keep your files secure.

Shock-resistant solid-state core
Offers rugged durability and reliable performance.

Solid-state drive with no moving parts
Ensures cool, quiet operation.

Portable design
Lets you take your data on the go.

Compatible with PC and Mac
Offers flexible installation options.


Visit your local Best Buy or click the link posted in our article above to find out more information about the SanDisk - Extreme 1TB External USB 3.1 Gen 2 DriveAs always keep it southern Y'all!