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Concord Rents, Author at Concord Management Blog https://www.concordrents.com/blog/author/wpc_82930/ Just another Rent Cafe Blogs Sites site Mon, 03 Jul 2023 12:02:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.1 227028240 Top 10 Summer Safety Tips https://www.concordrents.com/blog/2023/07/03/top-10-summer-safety-tips-2/ https://www.concordrents.com/blog/2023/07/03/top-10-summer-safety-tips-2/#respond Mon, 03 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://www.concordrents.com/blog/?p=876 Enjoying the resident pool or walking paths is a great way to spend some time out in the Florida sunshine. It's easy to forget while all that fun is happening how dangerous the sun can be, so let's go over 10 ways you can keep yourself and your family safe while soaking up some Vitamin…

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Enjoying the resident pool or walking paths is a great way to spend some time out in the Florida sunshine. It's easy to forget while all that fun is happening how dangerous the sun can be, so let's go over 10 ways you can keep yourself and your family safe while soaking up some Vitamin D.
  1. Wear sunscreen and reapply often – Sunscreen not only protects you from nasty sunburns but also skin cancer. Make sure you reapply every two hours (or as often as the instructions say on your particular brand). For ages 6 months and up, SPF 30 or more is recommended for the best protection. Children under 6 months should avoid sunscreen and instead, stay in the shade.
  2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. – If you are thirsty, you are already starting to slip into dehydration. Make sure you drink plenty of water (note. WATER, not coffee, sports drinks, soda…you get the point). Water is the best way to hydrate. Fun fact. Your body will benefit more from drinking room-temperature water than ice-cold water because your body will absorb it quicker.
  3. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm). – The sun is at it's strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. Try to avoid being out for too long during those periods of time. There is plenty of sunlight in the early morning hours to enjoy without the fear of getting hit with those stronger sun rays.
  4. Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing to keep cool. – Dark colors absorb the sun's rays and tight-fitting clothes don't let your skin breathe while out in the heat. Add some color to your summer wardrobe and leave the darker colors for the fall. Bonus points if you can find clothing that is rated for UV protection.
  5. Put shoes on your pet – Yes. You read that right. Put shoes on your pet if you plan to take them outside on the hot pavement. A way to tell if the pavement is too hot for your furry friend is to put the back of your hand on the pavement and hold it there for seven seconds. If you can't hold your hand there for the full seven seconds, it's too hot for your fur friend's paw pads and they need protection.
  6. Use insect repellent to prevent bug bites. – Just like with sunscreen, make sure to read the instructions when applying and reapplying. It's suggested you only apply bud repellent to your clothes and exposed skin. Avoid your eyes, ears, nose, and mouth as well as any areas that are irritated. And never apply near open flames or lit cigarettes.
  7. Be cautious around bodies of water, and never swim alone.- Alone time is great, but when it comes to swimming, having a buddy nearby is best. If you plan to go into the water, have someone else around just in case something happens. Especially when swimming in bodies of water that have a current and can pull you away from the safety of the shoreline.
  8. Keep food and beverages properly refrigerated to avoid food poisoning. – Summer picnics are a great way to spend time outdoors. Avoid food poisoning by keeping food at the right temperature. A good rule of thumb is whatever temperature it's bought at, it should be kept at. Cold foods should stay cold and hot foods hot. Always read your labels just in case something should be refrigerated after opening.
  9. Stay informed about weather conditions and take appropriate precautions during extreme heat or storms. – Turn on your notifications for weather alerts and download a reliable weather service app.
  10. Practice fire safety when grilling – Keep a spray bottle with water on hand to keep the smaller flames from getting too big and a fire extinguisher just in case anything gets out of hand.

No matter how you spend your summer, make sure to play it safe.

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Affordable Summer Fun For All Ages https://www.concordrents.com/blog/2023/06/19/affordable-summer-fun-for-all-ages/ https://www.concordrents.com/blog/2023/06/19/affordable-summer-fun-for-all-ages/#respond Mon, 19 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://www.concordrents.com/blog/?p=870 This summer, grab your sunscreen, and a hat, and head out to enjoy the Florida sun with these affordable activities for all ages.  Visit the Springs: There are several natural springs in Florida that are perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot summer day. Some popular ones include De Leon Springs, Kelly Park, Wekiva…

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This summer, grab your sunscreen, and a hat, and head out to enjoy the Florida sun with these affordable activities for all ages. 
  1. Visit the Springs: There are several natural springs in Florida that are perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot summer day. Some popular ones include De Leon Springs, Kelly Park, Wekiva Springs State Park, and Blue Spring State Park.
  2. Take a Hike: Look up one of the many beautiful hiking trails. Check out the Black Bear Wilderness Area in Sanford or the Lake Apopka Loop Trail in Apopka for some scenic views and a good workout. Don't forget a picnic lunch, sunscreen, and bug spray!
  3. Explore Downtown Orlando: Downtown Orlando has a lot to offer, from art galleries and museums to trendy restaurants and bars. Take a stroll down Orange Avenue and check out the local scene. During the day, this is a family-friendly activity. At night, it switches gears into a fun adult night out.
  4. Hit the Beach: Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna Beach, or Daytona Beach are all just a relaxing drive away for some family fun in the sun. Daytona Beach has a pier with activities for all ages.
  5. Go Kayaking: Rent a kayak and explore the local waterways. You can paddle down the Wekiva River or the Econlockhatchee River for a fun and peaceful adventure. Enjoy the relaxing stroll down the waterway and look out for the local wildlife in the water. 
  6. Attend a Local Festival: Central Florida hosts a variety of festivals throughout the summer, from food and wine festivals to music and arts festivals. Check out the Florida Music Festival in Orlando or the Mount Dora Seafood Festival for some fun and entertainment.
  7. Go Fishing: Central Florida has some great fishing spots, including Lake Tohopekaliga in Kissimmee and Lake Monroe in Sanford. Rent a boat or bring your own gear and spend a relaxing day on the water.
  8. Check out a Farmer's Market: Central Florida is home to several farmer's markets that offer fresh produce, artisanal goods, and live music. Check out the Winter Park Farmer's Market or the Sanford Farmer's Market for a fun and unique experience. Get there early for the best chance at a good parking spot and walk the shops of Park Avenue when you are done. The Writer's Block bookstore is a fun shop with books of all ages and a coffee shop in the back.
  9. Get your spooky on at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum: This site offers a glimpse into the maritime history of the area, including the chance to climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views. Families can also participate in interactive exhibits and educational programs. While in the area, check out the fort and the interactive pirate museum, both within walking distance of each other and close to the beach.
  10. Check out the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens: The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens offers a variety of exhibits featuring animals such as giraffes, rhinoceroses, and cheetahs, as well as a hands-on petting zoo and a splash park.

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How to Keep a Tidy Home When Your Brain Isn’t in the Mood https://www.concordrents.com/blog/2023/05/15/how-to-keep-a-tidy-home-when-your-brain-isnt-in-the-mood/ Mon, 15 May 2023 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.concordrents.com/blog/?p=862 Keeping your home clean and organized is a daunting task for most people and it's even harder when your brain doesn't want to cooperate because you are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or other one of life's struggles. Let's talk about a few ways you can break it down into manageable pieces and still have…

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Keeping your home clean and organized is a daunting task for most people and it's even harder when your brain doesn't want to cooperate because you are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or other one of life's struggles. Let's talk about a few ways you can break it down into manageable pieces and still have a clean space to enjoy.
  1. Break tasks into smaller, more manageable steps: When you're feeling overwhelmed, even the smallest tasks can feel overwhelming. Instead of trying to tackle a space all at once, break it into smaller pieces. For example, instead of trying to clean your entire kitchen, focus on washing the dishes first. 
  2. Create a cleaning schedule: Having a set cleaning schedule can help you stay on track and feel more in control. Decide which tasks you want to accomplish each day, and create a schedule that works for you. Be gentle with yourself. If you can't complete all the tasks that you set aside for the day, be proud of yourself for the ones you were able to do. 
  3. Enlist the help of a friend or family member: Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Reach out to a trusted friend or family member and ask if they can come over and help you clean. This gets you a cleaner space and time with people who care about you.
  4. Make cleaning fun: Try to make cleaning as enjoyable as possible. Turning cleaning into a fun activity can help you feel more motivated to get it done. Put on your favorite playlist and dance while you sweep. If you like ambient music, go to YouTube and search for "Medieval tavern" and pretend you are the owner of a popular tavern and you are cleaning it up at the end of a fun night.
  5. Put on a favorite TV show or other short entertainment: Set a goal to clean one space until that episode is over. Making it something that you've seen before and won't be tempted to sit down and watch would be best.

Remember, it's okay to take breaks and prioritize your mental health over-cleaning. Be kind to yourself and don't push yourself too hard. Keeping your living space clean can help improve your mood and overall well-being, but it's important to do it in a way that works for you.

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Accessible Ways To Learn How To Manage Your Money https://www.concordrents.com/blog/2023/05/08/accessible-ways-to-learn-how-to-manage-your-money/ https://www.concordrents.com/blog/2023/05/08/accessible-ways-to-learn-how-to-manage-your-money/#respond Mon, 08 May 2023 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.concordrents.com/blog/?p=851 Managing money can be a daunting task for anyone. However, it is an essential skill that everyone needs to learn in order to achieve financial stability and security. Fortunately, there are plenty of free resources available that can help people of all backgrounds learn how to manage their money effectively. The Internet Is Full of…

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Managing money can be a daunting task for anyone. However, it is an essential skill that everyone needs to learn in order to achieve financial stability and security. Fortunately, there are plenty of free resources available that can help people of all backgrounds learn how to manage their money effectively.

The Internet Is Full of Resources

One of the best resources for learning about money management is the Internet. There are countless websites, blogs, and forums dedicated to providing information and advice on personal finance. 

Some of the most popular sites include Mint, NerdWallet, and The Simple Dollar. These sites offer a wealth of information on topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management. Bonus! They often have interactive tools and calculators that can help users track their expenses, create a budget, and plan for their financial future.

Check Out Your Local Library

Another great resource for learning about money management is your local public library. Many libraries offer free access to personal finance books and magazines, as well as online resources such as financial databases and e-books. Some libraries even offer workshops and classes on topics such as budgeting, credit management, and retirement planning.

Community Programs For Hands-On Learning

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, there are many community-based organizations that offer free financial education programs. These programs are often led by financial professionals and cover a wide range of topics, from basic budgeting to more advanced investment strategies. 

Some examples include the Financial Planning Association, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, and the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education.

There's An App For That

If your smartphone or tablet is more your style for learning, there are also many free mobile apps that can help people manage their money on the go. Some of the most popular apps include Mint, Acorns, and Personal Capital. These apps allow users to track their expenses, create a budget, and even invest their money from their smartphone or tablet.

There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Solution

Finally, it's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to money management. Everyone's financial situation is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's important to be patient and persistent when learning about money management and to seek out resources that are tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Whether you prefer to learn online, through books and workshops, or through mobile apps, there is something out there for everyone. So why not start today? Your financial future will thank you for it.

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10 Healthy Budget-Friendly Meal Planning Tips https://www.concordrents.com/blog/2023/05/01/10-healthy-budgetfriendly-meal-planning-tips/ https://www.concordrents.com/blog/2023/05/01/10-healthy-budgetfriendly-meal-planning-tips/#respond Mon, 01 May 2023 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.concordrents.com/blog/?p=864 Eating healthy on a budget can feel like a daunting task, but it's not impossible! With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can cook delicious and nutritious meals that won't break the bank. Here are some tips to help you eat healthy on a budget: Plan your meals ahead of time: Take some…

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Eating healthy on a budget can feel like a daunting task, but it's not impossible! With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can cook delicious and nutritious meals that won't break the bank. Here are some tips to help you eat healthy on a budget:
  1. Plan your meals ahead of time: Take some time each week to plan your meals and make a grocery list. This will help you avoid impulse buying and ensure that you have all the ingredients you need to cook healthy meals. 
  2. Shop for seasonal produce: Seasonal produce is often cheaper and fresher than out-of-season produce. Look for fruits and vegetables that are in season and plan your meals around them. If there is nothing appealing to you that is in season, frozen is fine and just as healthy. 
  3. Buy in bulk: Buying in bulk can save you money in the long run. Look for bulk bins at your local grocery store or buy larger quantities of items that you use frequently but don't spoil as fast such as grains, beans, and nuts.
  4. Use cheaper cuts of meat: Cheaper cuts of meat like chicken thighs, pork shoulder, and beef chuck are often more flavorful and tender than more expensive cuts. They're also great for slow cooking, which can save you time and money.
  5. It's okay to use prepackaged meals: Cooking on a budget means working with what you've got. While cooking from scratch allows you more control over the ingredients, it's not always as budget-friendly as grabbing some Hamburger Helper or frozen lasagna. 
  6. Make use of leftovers: Don't let leftovers go to waste! Use them to make new meals or take them for lunch the next day.
  7. Use spices and herbs: Spices and herbs can add flavor to your meals without adding extra calories or cost. Keep a well-stocked spice rack and experiment with different flavor combinations.
  8. Shop at discount stores: Discount stores like Aldi and Lidl can be great places to find healthy foods at a lower cost. Just be sure to check the expiration dates and quality of the products.
  9. Look at the sales papers: It goes without saying that coupons are your friends. Go through the sale papers and see what is on sale that you could use to make healthy meals. Publix has excellent BOGOs every week, and while most of their food is a bit more expensive than say, Walmart, if you only shop the BOGO sales, you are still coming out ahead. Bonus! Many grocery stores will take competitor coupons or honor other store sales. Check with your grocery store for their policy. 
  10. Look at the price tag: A lot of grocery stores will have the price in big letters and in smaller letters at the bottom, the price you are paying per unit. And sometimes, the larger quantity is not actually cheaper. For example: Bagel Bites are $3.15 for a pack of 9 and have a unit cost of $.35 per piece. The 18-count box, which you'd think is a better deal, is $7.59 with a unit cost of $.54 per piece. That's a big difference!

Eating healthy on a budget may require a little bit of extra effort, but it's worth it for your health and your wallet. With these tips, you can cook delicious and nutritious meals without breaking the bank.
 

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Five Alternatives to New Year’s Resolutions https://www.concordrents.com/blog/2022/12/19/five-alternatives-to-new-year39s-resolutions/ Mon, 19 Dec 2022 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.concordrents.com/blog/?p=841 New Year's resolutions can be intimidating and are not always a good idea because people tend to set goals that evoke negative emotions about themselves. While it may seem motivating at first, it can create feelings of depression and anxiety that seldom results in long-term motivation. So, instead of a New Year's resolution, let's look…

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New Year's resolutions can be intimidating and are not always a good idea because people tend to set goals that evoke negative emotions about themselves. While it may seem motivating at first, it can create feelings of depression and anxiety that seldom results in long-term motivation. So, instead of a New Year's resolution, let's look at other ways to improve during the year without feeling down.

One-Hit Wonder Goals

One-hit-wonder goals are "one-and-done" goals. One writer on GeekMom.com said they did this because it made more sense for them. Sticking to one year-long goal intimidated them, so they never followed through because they were afraid to fail. So now, they pick a set number of things they want to do during the year and check them off as they go. A few things they decided to try to include learning to say "hi" in five languages, taking their lunch to work for a week, and having a family movie night.

30-Day Challenge

Challenge yourself to something new each month. The challenge can be as fundamental as reading a book you've been putting off or as complex as training for a marathon. Whatever it is, make it something you want to do and not feel you have to do. Some examples include: 30-day declutter challenge, creating a passive source of income in 30-days, and a 30-day yoga challenge. DaringToLiveFully.com has some great recommendations to get you started.

Make A Vision Board

Where do you see yourself at the end of the coming year? Is there anything you'd like to accomplish? Consider putting it on a vision board to help you stay focused. You can do it with clippings from magazines, images you've found on the internet, or words that inspire you. Make it physical or digital and carry it with you on your phone. The possibilities are only as endless as your imagination.

Pick A Word Of The Week/Month/Year

Word of the year is prominent in the journal/planning circles. You pick a word that resonates with you and focuses on doing something related each month. You can break this down into one word for the year or change it each week or month. There are a ton of resources online that can help you pick your word, do a quick Google search of "pick my word of the year" to find them.

Consider Doing A 365-day Project.

A 365-day project is something you do every day for the year. These tend to be more successful if you do something that only takes a few minutes. Examples include:

  • Reading a cert number of pages each day.
  • Spending 10 minutes in Duolingo learning a new language.
  • Taking a selfie each day.
  • Waking up at the same time each day.
  • Reading a short story every day.

No matter how you tackle your goals this coming year, the important thing is to remember why you're doing it and make sure it's for the right reasons. Positive motivation will get you farther than guilt and negativity.

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Free Central Florida Holiday Happenings https://www.concordrents.com/blog/2022/12/05/free-central-florida-holiday-happenings/ Mon, 05 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.concordrents.com/blog/?p=833 For those looking for budget-friendly holiday happenings, we have you covered. Everything on this list is FREE to attend and happens on multiple nights, so there is no fear of missing out.  Walt Disney World Resort Gingerbread Displays When: November 11th – January 1st Where: Walt Disney World Resort Did you know you can visit…

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For those looking for budget-friendly holiday happenings, we have you covered. Everything on this list is FREE to attend and happens on multiple nights, so there is no fear of missing out. 

Walt Disney World Resort Gingerbread Displays

When: November 11th – January 1st
Where: Walt Disney World Resort

Did you know you can visit the Walt Disney Resorts for free? Yup. Stroll through the wonderful decorations at the Walt Disney World resorts. The Gingerbread displays are back this year and better than ever. Head over to the Grand Floridian to take in the life-sized gingerbread house and sample a taste of the shingles (for sale in the gingerbread house itself!). Other resorts participating in the gingerbread wonder include:

  • Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Beach Club Resort
  • Boardwalk Inn
  • Contemporary Resort
  • Polynesian Resort

Each resort has a different opening day for its gingerbread displays, but it's safe to say they will all be up by December 1st. Don't fret about parking because you can take a bus from Disney Springs to any resort and hop around from there. For example, take a bus to the Contemporary Resort and then use the monorail (free) to Grand Floridian Resort and the Polynesian Resort for fun.

Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll

When: November 11th – January 1st
Where: 1486 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

They should call this the Christmas Tree Hide-And-Seek because that's what you are doing. Once inside Disney Springs (parking is free!), head to the Welcome Center, House of Blues, 12 Days of Christmas store, or The Marketplace Co-Op and get your free map, complete with stickers to mark when you've found a tree. Previously, you could show your completed map and get a button. Parking is free at any of the parking garages (If you park at Orange, you will be able to walk the entire area without backtracking).

Holidays at Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs

When: November 24th, 2022 - January 1st
Where: 274 Cranes Roost Blvd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701

his year the Plaza Fountain will feature special shows complete with dancing water and festive lights, all done to holiday tunes. Shows happen nightly at 6, 7, 8, and 9 PM. Also happening at Cranes Roost Park (specifically at the Eddie Rose Amphitheater) are free holiday music performances at the Eddie Rose Amphitheater. Happening December 4, 11 & 18, 7 PM – 9 PM

Snow Falling Nightly in Celebration at Celebration Town Center

When: November 26th, 2022 – December 31st, 2022
Where: 610 Sycamore St, Celebration, Fl 34747

Nightly snowfall hourly from 6 to 9 PM The Town of Celebration has some of the best light displays in Central Florida. The residents go all out for their neighborhood competition, with some having real people as part of their display. Last year, my family saw Mr. and Mrs. Claus greet people passing by. And at Celebration Town Center, you can get some of the best "snow" on this side of the Georgia state line as it falls from the main street.

A Merry Winter Garden Light Show at City Hall

When: December 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 2022, 6–9 PM
Where: 300 W Plant St, Winter Garden, FL

This year the Winter Garden City Hall has a festive light show planned on select nights from 6 to 9 PM. In addition to the light show, there will also be holiday decorations and an area for children to have fun. Enjoy strolling through all of Winter Garden as they shine this holiday season.

Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show

When: December 2nd – January 6th
Where: Lake Eola Park, 512 E Washington St, Orlando 32801

Starting on December 2nd, the Lake Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree will come to life with synchronized light and music. Shows will happen at 5:45 PM, 6:45 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:45 PM, and 9:45 PM. The Christmas Tree is located by E. Washington St. and N. Rosalind Ave.

Downtown Orlando Snowfall

When: Select Dates December 2nd – December 23rd
Where: 512 Eola Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32801 (Lake Eola House)

Snow in Florida? Head over to experience snowfall in Downtown Orlando this holiday season when it falls on Washington St. by the Lake Eola House (located near the intersection of E. Washington St. and N. Eola Dr.). The snowfall will happen in 15-minute increments and is scheduled to fall on Fridays and Saturdays: 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM Sundays: 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM

Meet Santa

When: Select Dates December 3rd – December 23rd
Where: 512 Eola Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32801 (Lake Eola House)

Meet Santa at the Eola House (512 E. Washington St., Orlando, FL 32801) at the Eola House on December 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23. Fridays and Saturdays: 4:30 PM – 9 PM Sundays: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

A December to Remember at the Riverfront Esplanade

When: December 7th – December 25th
Where: 249 N. Beach Street, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114

The Riverfront Esplanade has several free activities for all ages this holiday season. From Santa sightings to movies on the lawn to fun community events, if you are in the Daytona area, check them out starting December 7th.

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How to Save Money This Holiday Season! https://www.concordrents.com/blog/2022/11/15/how-to-save-money-this-holiday-season/ https://www.concordrents.com/blog/2022/11/15/how-to-save-money-this-holiday-season/#respond Tue, 15 Nov 2022 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.concordrents.com/blog/?p=829 The holidays are here and you know what that means? It's time to make your lists, set your budgets, and stretch your holiday money as far as possible. Here are a few tips to help you hit the ground running and make the most of each dollar. Make A List. Check It Twice. If you…

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The holidays are here and you know what that means? It's time to make your lists, set your budgets, and stretch your holiday money as far as possible. Here are a few tips to help you hit the ground running and make the most of each dollar.

Make A List. Check It Twice.

If you only read one tip on this post, make it this one. Make a list of who you will buy for, establish a budget for each person, and then stick to the list! Some apps (like my favorite, Santa's Bag on iOS) will help you organize your list and track your spending. Bonus tip. To prevent any misspending on yourself, set a small budget to treat yourself while shopping for others.

Save Money With Honey

A few Chrome extensions will help you save money, but my favorite is Honey. Honey will tell you the price fluctuations of products on Amazon. And if you add an item to your Amazon wishlist or shopping cart, it will email you if the price drops. You can also earn rewards for shopping and trade them in for gift cards. A bonus is that they will run through all the coupon codes in their database at checkout to get you the best deal.

Interest-Free Credit Options

Look for sites that use interest-free credit options like AfterPay and Klarna to help stretch your holiday shopping budget. Afterpay is a particular favorite of mine. It works by extending you interest-free credit on your purchase, breaking it down into four automatic payments. You can use the service in-store with the app on your phone. The app also lets you track your spending and see when payments will come out of your account.

Be Careful On Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are not all they are hyped up to be. Watch stores for their "deals" and cross-check them to your list. 2021 saw record lows in quality deals. Avoid impulse buys by sticking to your list; if it's not on there, don't buy it! No matter how good of a deal you think you're getting.

Buy Food In Advance

If you are in charge of a holiday meal, make your menu weeks in advance and then buy what you need a little at a time, so it only hits you a little at a time. This will also ensure you get everything on your list before the last-minute shoppers grab what's left. 

Use Cash

To help you stay on track at brick-and-mortar stores, take cash so you don't put too much on your credit or debit card. Seeing it leave your wallet will make you think twice before you buy Uncle Owen that second R2 unit.

Free Shipping Day is December 14th.

Take advantage of Free Shipping Day (December 14th, 2022) from stores that guarantee your packages will arrive by Christmas Eve.

Track Your Stuff

Track your shopping with the UPS, FedEx, and Shopify apps. Set your notifications to ON, so your phone can alert you when you have an incoming package. When something comes in, put a sticky note on it to remind you who it's for and keep all your gifts in one central area, so you don't find a missing present in April.

Final Thoughts – Plan For Next Year

The earlier you plan, the quicker you will be done and the sooner you can enjoy the holidays with one less stressor. And when it's all said and done, start saving up for next year. Set your budget for next year and break it down into monthly installments. Put those installments in a savings account that you can pull from the next holiday season. Your future self will thank you.

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Top 10 Tips For Planning A Friendsgiving https://www.concordrents.com/blog/2022/11/01/top-10-tips-for-throwing-a-friendsgiving/ Tue, 01 Nov 2022 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.concordrents.com/blog/?p=820 Thanksgiving is a wonderful tradition, but for those looking for an alternative to the holiday, let me introduce you to Friendsgiving. Friendsgiving lets you enjoy all the fun of Thanksgiving with your closest friends. This year, Friendsgiving falls on November 25th. That's only three weeks away, so let's get planning.   Here are our top…

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Thanksgiving is a wonderful tradition, but for those looking for an alternative to the holiday, let me introduce you to Friendsgiving. Friendsgiving lets you enjoy all the fun of Thanksgiving with your closest friends. This year, Friendsgiving falls on November 25th. That's only three weeks away, so let's get planning.
 

Here are our top 10 tips for planning a Friendsgiving celebration! 

  1. Get your buddies together and decide who is going to host. The host should have space for all the guests and the food. The great thing about hosting a Friendsgiving is that the host is only responsible for the turkey. The side dishes are the responsibility of the other guests. We will get to that in a moment.
     
  2. Send out the invites. Every party needs invitations to tell people when, where, and what time. Decide if you will go old-school and snail mail your invites or use an online RSVP service like Facebook events or Eventbrite (both are free to use). 
     
  3. Start the conversation about the menu. Once your guests are confirmed, get out your tool of choice to keep track of who is bringing what and who will need kitchen space/time to prepare their dish before the meal. I recommend Google Docs because it's free and easy to use. Make a spreadsheet with the confirmed guests' names and columns for what they are bringing and if they have any allergies or dietary restrictions. This will help ensure you don't have three variations of sweet potato casserole and only one vegetable on the table. 
     
  4. Get the space ready. A few days before, clean the area and prepare for all the fun. Determine the seating arrangements and if you need to borrow another table or more chairs from a friend. Give the kitchen a deep clean so it's primed and ready for anyone who needs to prepare their dish before the party starts. 
     
  5. Get to decorating! Go to your local party store and pick up some festive decor. Tip. Keep more oversized decorations out of high-traffic areas that could cause a tripping hazard or would be in the way of counter space. And make sure you use wall-friendly products that won't cause any damage to your lovely walls. 
     
  6. Figure out the parking situation. Encourage your guests to carpool or take a ride-share service to reduce the chance of any parking issues. Apartment complexes can get busy during the holidays due to family and friends visiting. Encourage your guests to carpool or take a ride-share service to avoid having your guests drive around for a spot or risk being towed. 
     
  7. Plan out before and after-dinner activities. Who doesn't love games, right? So ask your guests to bring their favorite group game or break out a few of your own that you can all do before or after the meal. The simpler, the better, so you can jump right into playing. 
     
  8. Have a festive playlist. Pick out your favorite albums and spin the tunes. I'm not talking about a dance party. Just something to have as background music to prevent awkward silence while everyone hangs out. Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music have great pre-set holiday playlists. 
     
  9. Everybody clean up. That's right. Everyone should help pitch in and clean up at the night's end. Using throw-away-china (A.K.A paper or plastic) will make this a breeze. This is also where everyone grabs their to-go containers and divides up the rest of the goods for the next day's lunch. Bonus if you have containers with your guests' names on them, so everyone gets a fair shot at the goods.  
     
  10. Make time to sit and relax. A lot of times, the host doesn't get to enjoy the party. Rotate out the responsibilities so that everyone has a chance to sit, talk, and relax. 

However you celebrate, make sure to have fun and enjoy yourself, and may your Friendsgiving be blessed with an attitude of gratitude. 
 

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Top 7 Things to Do for Any Age in Lady Lake Florida https://www.concordrents.com/blog/2022/10/06/top-7-things-to-do-for-any-age-in-lady-lake-florida/ Thu, 06 Oct 2022 16:30:00 +0000 https://www.concordrents.com/blog/?p=814 Lady Lake, Florida (near The Villages) is home to diverse activities for all ages, from shopping to restaurants to fun in the sun. ConcordRENTS has four affordable housing properties surrounding The Villages, including: Wildwood Preserve Lake Sumter Apartments Lake Sumter Reserve Lake Sumter Reserve Senior Living While The Villages is a popular retirement community, that…

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Lady Lake, Florida (near The Villages) is home to diverse activities for all ages, from shopping to restaurants to fun in the sun. ConcordRENTS has four affordable housing properties surrounding The Villages, including:

While The Villages is a popular retirement community, that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of fun and exciting things to do for all ages and stages of life. The Villages has an abundance of shopping and restaurant options while the surrounding area has a rich history and many things to keep you from being bored on a Saturday. Here are the top five things we recommend you make time to do on your next visit to the Lady Lake area.

Things to do

  1. Lady Lake Public Library – Check out their website for book signings and family-friendly events. If you move into one of our four area properties, you can get a library card to access their online resources, including free LinkedIn Learning courses.
  2. Lake Griffin State Park – Enjoy the wonders of nature while exploring this 620-Acer park (and don't miss the 400-year-old oak tree on the trail). Are you feeling a little adventurous? Rent a kayak or canoe and go on a guided tour of the marshes.
  3. Lake Sumter Landing – Lake Sumter Landing is home to free live music 365 days a year as well as plenty of shopping and eating. They always have something going on for the whole family.
  4. Grand Oaks Museum and Resort – If you or someone in your group is a history buff, this is the place to discover the history of Colonial America. They have over 160 horse-drawn carriages on display, including an English Omnibus, a World War I supply wagon, and a Dutch Tikker. The museum covers a 400-acre site, so take the day and have some fun.
  5. Lady Lake Historical Museum – This converted train depot houses the area's history. Check out The Teague Room, where you can learn all about life during the Victorian era, and don't skip the famous model train that depicts Lady Lake during the golden age of the late 1940s and 50s after the war.
  6. The Lakes Golf Club – For the golfing amateur or pro, The Lakes Golf Club offers 9 or 18-hole tee times for groups of up to four people. If you sign up for a membership, you can play as much as you like for the entire year!
  7. Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures – Have an adventure on an airboat through Florida's swamps and check out some of the swampy residents. Located at Lake Panasoffkee, Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures takes you on a one-hour thrilling adventure, complete with a free photo op with a live gator.

If you are considering relocating to the Lady Lake area, check out one of our four properties and all they offer. You can find our current availability and move in specials on ConcordRENTS.com

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