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Financial Planning For Families Is Easier Than You Think

Do you often worry about your financial future? You are definitely not alone. Most Americans have significantly low savings while having a pretty high debt load. Being in debt can definitely keep you up at night. Don't worry, you are not alone in this! Since the pandemic started earlier this year, many people have been taking a closer look at their finances, and retirement plan

What do you do when you don't know how to even get started? 


One of the first things you can do is clean your house. How does cleaning your house help, you ask? Going through your belongings can unlock a treasure chest filled with money that you didn't realize you had. We all have extra stuff hanging around the house that we don't use, so selling those items online or at local consignment shops can put cash in your pocket pretty quickly. You can use that cash to start a family emergency savings account. This would be an account that you do not touch since it is strictly for emergencies. Having an account that your whole family can contribute to means your available balance will add up quicker.  

What do you do if you are in a lot of debt?

That is a hard and stressful time for many, but there are ways to dig yourself out of debt. You don't realize how much you spend each week on little things that you really don't need. I know I have had this habit over the years. You see what you think is this 'great deal' that you better scoop up while you can, but you really can live without it. I know, I know, you probably feel like it takes away from you enjoying life while you can. The thing is, that $10-$20 item could have been added to your monthly credit card payment or toward paying down the principal on your mortgage. 
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You are probably thinking that such a small amount isn't going to help much, but believe me, it adds up! You should really take a look at the many free resources that's out there just waiting for you to take advantage of. Getting out of financial problems is possible with a little bit of discipline and taking the time to get organized. It's especially important to be more financially conservative during these uncertain times. After all, the pandemic isn't even close to being over. Do all you can to save, save, save! 

Thank you so much for stopping by today. 
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Get Great Deals on Black Friday at Target

Can you believe that next week will be November already? Despite the craziness of this year as a whole, it still seems like time has raced by so quickly. My kids mentioned last week that we have to start pulling our winter holiday decor out of storage soon, and I got excited and nervous at the same time. I am so ready, yet not even remotely ready at the same time. 



One thing that I am looking forward to is Black Friday shopping. This is definitely the best time to get the greatest deals of the year. I plan my gift-giving list according to sales, coupons, and promo codes as much as possible. This year is obviously a whole lot different when it comes to shopping in store, but it doesn't mean you can't pull it off with some planning and extra safety measures lined up. 

This year we plan to hit up those Target Black Friday Deals, especially for their tech deals. Since most of us are still pretty much at home all day, electronics and leisure wear is where it's at! My son has become quite the gamer, so I hope to get a crazy good deal on gaming headphones. I might even go ahead an make purchases for his birthday next year and hide them away. He will be turning 13, so gifts will start costing a whole lot more! 


Since Black Friday 2020 is unlike the previous years, you have to plan your outing carefully. Make sure you bring your mask and hand sanitizer above everything else! I also highly suggest a small cooler to keep in your car for bottled water or juice. Snacks are a must if you start to run low on energy. If you are one to overheat easily like I do, be sure to dress in layers. You do not want to feel faint in a store! For added safety, it's best to shop in pairs, so grab a shopping buddy and make it a fun outing. Oh, and don't forget to double-check those promo codes and coupons, especially from Slickdeals. 

Of course, there is also online shopping for those who prefer the privacy and quiet with solo shopping. No matter which way you choose to shop, this is the best time of year to score the lowest prices on toys, electronics, and more. I am hoping to find some small kitchen appliances for myself this year. Now I'm getting excited about my Target shopping trip! 

So what's on your holiday wish list? Are you planning on venturing out on Black Friday? 
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Get Your 2020 Tea Advent Calendar and Gift Set From Adagio Teas

It's almost the most wonderful time of year again! The holiday season is about to be here, and it's time to start planning accordingly. While this year looks a whole lot different than previous years, it doesn't mean we shouldn't make the most of it. We plan to enjoy the holiday festivities as much as possible, and treat ourselves a bit more.  

To kick things off this holiday season, we are partnering with Adagio Teas to introduce their 
NEW 24 Days of Tea Advent Calendar and their NEW 12 Days of Tea Gift Set. Tea is a staple in my home, and Adagio teas are the best we have ever had. My husband has been ordering some very specific blends for a few years now, but we have not tried the holiday blends yet. 


The 12 Days of Tea Gift Set is beautifully boxed and ready for gift-giving. This gift set has 12 different loose teas in some very festive flavor blends. Each single-serving pouch of loose tea is packed in a mini tin that can be used as ornaments. At only $19, it's a great value to treat yourself and the tea lovers in your life. 


The 12 Days of Tea gift set include these teas: White Pear, Rooibos Pecan Turtle, Lavender Lemon, Candy Cane, Golden Monkey, Jasmine Phoenix Pearls, Blue Mango, Cream, Cha Cha, Earl Grey Bravo, Fruit Medley, and Rooibos Nutcracker.



Get ready to countdown the days to Christmas with the 2020 Tea Advent Calendar. Behind each door is one festive blend after the other to enjoy each day until the big day! 


The Tea Advent calendar is $29 and you can choose either tea bags or loose tea. We can't wait to find out what variety of tea is behind each door! 

Either one of these tea gifts are sure to please any tea lover! Be sure to check out Adagio Teas on their website for their wide variety of teas and tea-related accessories. They definitely make the perfect holiday gifts for friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and for YOUrself! 



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Pamper Yourself With Cleanlogic Bath & Beauty Products (Giveaway)

This year has been quite a challenge for so many of us, and it's important to not forget about taking care of yourself inside and out. Some people are still a bit nervous about getting beauty or skincare treatments done away from their house, with good reason. The great thing is you can still take great care of your skin without stepping foot outside of your home! 

Cleanlogic offers a variety of antimicrobial bath and beauty products that will get you set up with your very own at-home pampering kit. Cleanlogic’s products have antimicrobial protection to slow or prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, are animal-test free, Control Union Certified, and made with clean ingredients and recyclable packaging. Cleanlogic is also dedicated to supporting the over 25 million people in the United States who are blind or visually impaired with packaging that includes functional braille, and a portion of all sales that are donated to blind and visually impaired charities.



We received a few Cleanlogic bath items to try out for ourselves including: Dual Texture Exfoliating Facial Pads ($5), Detox Purifying Charcoal Body Scrubber ($5), and the Dual Texture Exfoliating Body Scrubber ($5). 


The facial pads came in a pack of 3, so I gave one to my daughters, and kept the other one for myself. Both of my girls work out and do yoga, so they were excited to try these out on their faces. As for myself, I have patchy skin. I tried this facial pad out for a few days to see how it would work on the dry spots, and to my surprise, it helped tremendously. I was able to gently yet effectively exfoliate my face and neck, revealing glowing and smooth skin. I love feel of the smooth side. It practically glides across your skin!


Speaking of dry skin, I have noticed for months now that my body overall has been a bit drier than usual. I gave the detox purifying charcoal body scrubber a try to see how it would work for me. I like the handy strap that is on the scrubber, which makes holding it without dropping it a lot easier. I have used it with either body wash or soap, and I like how well it lathers. This scrubber offers a gently scrub that you can feel, yet it's not harsh at all. I had no idea how bad my skin was until I got out of the shower and towel-dried myself off. My skin had that peachy-blush hue to it because that super dry layer had been exfoliated away. Even my moisturizer went in easier and seemed to really absorb better. 


We definitely recommend these fabulous products for anyone who wants to improve their skin texture. Self care is essential, even more so during the pandemic. Cleanlogic has so many great skin care items, and even a line for men. They offer FREE shipping on $20+ orders, and are even including a free holiday gift bag with purchase of select items. This definitely makes gift-giving a whole lot easier. Cleanlogic products make great holiday gifts or stocking stuffers. 

GIVEAWAY!!!

Our friends from Cleanlogic have offered a gift set for one lucky reader to win. Enter below: a Rafflecopter giveaway  

This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and ends on November 1, 2020. Must follow rules in Rafflecopter. One winner will be chosen randomly. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!
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Pros and Cons of Invisalign for Adults

Some people have crowded or crooked teeth which make them feel embarrassed about their smile. To achieve a perfect smile, the most obvious solution for such an orthodontic problem is to opt for braces. However, there is a better alternative for most teens and adults. It is none other than Invisalign. 


What Is Invisalign?

For those of you that do not know what Invisalign is, it is a clear set of hard plastic aligners which are placed in the mouth. Dr. Bagheri of New York Total Dental believes Invisalign is a wonderful and more esthetic alternative to braces. The aligners need to be checked over a course of the first few months and replaced while the teeth are aligned into a proper position. Invisalign has become a popular choice among teens and adults who are looking for a more aesthetically pleasing option. If you are considering getting Invisalign, the following pros and cons of Invisalign will help you make that final decision.

Pros of Invisalign

There are many benefits of getting Invisalign instead of the traditional metallic braces. Some of the advantages of a clear set of aligners are mentioned below.

1. Comfort

One of the best things about getting Invisalign is that they are a lot more comfortable to wear. As there are no brackets or wires, you do not need to stress about getting cuts or nicks in the mouth. They tend to be quite smooth and do not cause any irritation. There are no sharp edges which make Invisalign the ultimate choice.

2. More Attractive

If there is one thing about Invisalign that everyone will agree with, it is the fact that it is a more attractive option. As Invisalign is transparent, it allows your teeth to shine instead of filling your mouth with metal. When you get Invisalign, most people would not even notice that you are wearing them. This means that you would feel more comfortable when smiling rather than feeling self-conscious. Thus, adults prefer Invisalign when opting for an orthodontic treatment.

3. Convenience

More and more adults are getting Invisalign. It has become a norm when it comes to straightening the teeth. Rather than having to deal with metal braces, Invisalign provides you with amazing convenience that is unlike any other orthodontic option. 

4. Easy to Remove

Whenever you want to eat, brush, or floss, you can easily remove the Invisalign aligners. The same cannot be said about braces. This means that you would enjoy eating foods that you want and maintain better oral hygiene. In addition to this, there would be a lower risk of developing gum disease as you undergo the process of straightening the teeth. You do not need to stress about food particles coming in the way.

5. Minimal Maintenance

Finally, Invisalign aligners are a great option since they require minimal maintenance. Although they can get somewhat dingy over time, you can easily clean them up by making use of a toothbrush that is dipped in some bleach and water. Eliminate any stains by scrubbing the toothbrush.

Cons of Invisalign

Just like any other option, Invisalign does have its cons. These are mentioned below.

1. Expensive

One of the first things that people notice is the high cost of Invisalign. It can be quite an expensive option, especially considering the fact that you would not be covered by dental insurance. Thus, you would have to pay out of pocket. Expect to pay around $3,000 to $7,500 for the treatment. This can discourage individuals who are on a tight budget.

2. Attachments

Another disadvantage of Invisalign is that there are many attachments that you have to deal with. These attachments tend to be enamel ridges that stick onto your teeth similar to brackets. However, they are crucial for ensuring that the aligners fit perfectly and effectively shift your teeth into the desired position.

3. Requirement to Wear 22 Hours Every Day

To achieve that perfect smile, Invisalign has to be worn at least 22 hours every day. The truth is that you can only remove them to maintain daily oral hygiene and eating. This means that if you were to go out on a date or party, you would have to put them on.

4. Tooth Discomfort

When you first get new Invisalign aligners, you would find them to be uncomfortable to wear. It is because every time you get new Invisalign aligner trays, they will exert pressure to adjust your teeth which can be painful.

Conclusion

Now that you know about the pros and cons of Invisalign, you can decide whether you should get them or not. Remember, there is always a price for beauty. 

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