Save Money Exchanging Currency

Exchanging money when you travel abroad has the potential to be expensive because of hidden fees. Save money by doing the following: 1. Use your bank ATM card overseas at a partner bank that won’t charge a transaction fee. Find out what financial institutions your bank partners with before leaving home. Ask if your bank is part of the Global ATM Alliance. 2. Use credit cards that have low or no transaction fees. Chase (chase.com) and Capital One (capitalone.com) both have favorable cards available for frequent travelers.

College Savings Errors to Avoid

Saving for your kids’ college education can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Learning the best ways to save can help you avoid costly mistakes – and increase your yield. Mistake #1 – Choosing a plain old savings account When you’re concerned about losing money on an investment, a standard savings account might feel safer. The interest on that account, however, won’t even keep up with inflation, let alone the rapidly rising cost of college.  The Fix – If an aggressive investment isn’t right for you, at least choose a 529 plan, specifically designed for college expenses. Money in a 529 plan grows tax-free until your child uses it to pay for school. And if you’re lucky enough to get lots of grants and scholarships, you can transfer a 529 to another child. Mistake #2 – Believing savings count against you Some parents choose not to save for their children to go to college because they (erroneously) believe a robust savings will hinder their ability to get financial aid.  The Fix – The truth is that it’s primarily what you’re earning – not saving – that colleges take into consideration when granting financial aid, so save away. Mistake #3 – Setting and forgetting it Everyone’s financial situation changes over time, as do tax laws and investment options. But too many people set up savings plans once and never revisit them.  The Fix – It’s important to review your investments on a regular basis, and that’s especially true if your goals are in the shorter term. College investments that get more conservative over time are preferable, as they reduce risk as the child gets closer to college age.

Save Money On Dental Care

Even with health insurance, dental care costs can add up fast. Dentists will sometimes discount your bill if you ask (especially if you don’t have insurance), and if you’re over 55 there may be a senior discount program. Here are four more ideas to help you save: 1. Use a dental school. You can find accredited schools for most dental work, where a student will perform the work overseen by an experienced instructor. Find schools here: ADA.org/dentalschools 2. Consider a dental discount plan. Sometimes using a dental plan may save you more than actually having dental insurance. You generally pay a yearly fee to join a discount plan and use dentists that are members of the plan to get lowered rates on services. To find a plan available in your area visit: www.dentalplans.com or www.dentalcareadvantage.com 3. Choose a dentist with a payment plan. Many dentists will work with you to set up a payment arrangement if you don’t have insurance. There are also special credit accounts you can get just for dental and medical bills, which allow you to make payments instead of having to pay the sum in full before you can be treated – check with your bank or at: unitedmedicalcredit.com or carecredit.com 4. Low-income dental care options. For low-income patients, there are many options that vary by state. Find locations that provide free or low-cost health and dental care in the U.S. at the following website: FindAHealthCenter.HRSA.gov. Dental Lifeline at DentalLifeline.org provides free dental work to elderly and disabled patients who otherwise couldn’t afford to pay.

Getaway to Suncadia Resort!

Suncadia Resort was a huge gamble that has paid off! Suncadia is a 6300 acre planned resort community backing up to 2.2 million acres of National Forest land. It’s right off I90, just 90 miles from Seattle, yet worlds away. It was begun in 2002 and is now living up to expectations with 3 top rated golf courses, winter activities, hundreds of homes, water parks, amazing winery, spa, amphitheater, beautiful lodge and much more. I have played all of the courses including the new Rope Ryder and just love being up there and the I’m on vacation feeling you get. The restaurant in the lodge is high quality and has sweeping views of the valley and the private Tumble Creek course, everything is first class! Suncadia is worth checking out if you want a really nice family vacation spot! If you head up make sure to take a short drive to historic Roslyn. There are lots of restaurants and great shops plus the Heritage Distillery open for daily tasting samples and gifts. Stop in for a beer at Washington's oldest bar - The Brick Tavern. Enjoy!

Drive the North Cascades Hwy this Summer

Sunny spring and summer days are a great excuse to take road trips. If you have time and find a nice day jump in the car and go for it! SR 20 closes every winter sometime in November depending on snow depth and does not generally reopen until May. The pass is 5,477 ft. above sea level! It is one of the state’s oldest highways; it was roughed out in 1897. Before that is was a well-used Native American trading route. It is the states northernmost route across the mountains and was the 1st designated National Scenic Highway in the United States. From Marblemount to Winthrop you will want to stop several times to take pictures. The most scenic drive starts in the North Cascades National Park and is absolutely spectacular past a turquoise Lake Diablo and crystal blue Ross Lake. I have taken the drive once and will not forget it! You will want to consider staying the night or plan on a full day. Winthrop offers many great restaurant and lodging options. Enjoy the trip!