Teri Monroe, Author at Dinks Finance

About Teri Monroe

Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends.

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Surrogacy Costs Are Skyrocketing—Would You Pay This Much to Have a Child?

Posted on April 2, 2025 - 3:39 pm by Teri Monroe

Can you put a price tag on having a child? For many facing infertility, the financial burden of building a family can be overwhelming. When carrying a child isn’t an option, surrogacy often becomes the only path to having a biological child. However, the cost of hiring a surrogate can be prohibitively expensive. In the U.S., surrogacy costs typically range from $100,000 to $150,000, but they can climb even higher depending on factors such as location, agency fees, medical expenses, and legal requirements. With no guarantees that surrogacy will result in a successful pregnancy, many couples find this investment daunting. Still, for those who have exhausted other fertility options, the opportunity to have a biological child makes the cost worthwhile.

Finding a Surrogate

The first and most crucial step in the surrogacy process is finding a reputable surrogate. If working with an agency, expect higher fees, as they handle screening, legal arrangements, and coordination. For those choosing an independent search, options include word-of-mouth referrals, social media, and online surrogacy communities.

Once a potential surrogate is found, she must undergo thorough medical evaluations before a reproductive endocrinologist and OB/GYN approve the process. These screenings come with upfront costs, even before a legal agreement is drafted. Hiring an attorney to manage the legal aspects adds another layer of expense. Additionally, medical procedures such as embryo transfer, prenatal care, and delivery can quickly add thousands of dollars to the total cost.

Weighing the Financial Burden

While many couples dream of having a biological child, the financial challenges of surrogacy can be staggering. Adoption, often considered an alternative, can also be costly, with fees ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 or more. Furthermore, by the time couples reach the decision to pursue surrogacy, they may have already spent tens of thousands on failed fertility treatments such as IVF and IUI.

Surrogacy also involves significant emotional and logistical challenges. Intended parents must consider the time required for medical procedures, legal contracts, and the surrogate’s well-being throughout the pregnancy. The emotional toll of potential failed attempts or medical complications can add to the stress. Additionally, travel costs may be involved if the surrogate lives in a different state or country, further increasing expenses.

The reality is that having a child is priceless, but the financial burden of assisted reproduction is significant. For those considering surrogacy, adoption, or further fertility treatments, financial assistance options such as grants and specialized loans may help make the process more accessible. Understanding all the costs and available resources can empower hopeful parents to make the best decision for their family-building journey.

How much have you paid in surrogacy costs? Let us know in the comments.

10 Date Night Gift Ideas That Will Impress Your Partner

Revamp Your Finances: 6 Books That Teach You the Art of Saving Money

Posted on March 31, 2025 - 11:00 am by Teri Monroe

With an endless amount of financial advice books published each year, who should you listen to? Some financial experts have better insights than others. We’ve done Here are 6 money saving books that are actually worth reading.

1. The Psychology of Money, by Morgan Housel

In The Psychology of Money, Morgan Housel writes, “Doing well with money isn’t about what you know. It’s about how you behave. And behavior is hard to teach, even to really smart people.” Through sharing 19 short stories, Housel presents different ways people think about money and teaches you how to make sense of it all to improve your finances.

2. I Will Teach You to Be Rich, by Ramit Sethi

This is more than a money saving book. I Will Teach You to Be Rich is a practical 6-week program designed to help you develop the skills and mindset necessary to manage your money effectively. Ramit Sethi has sold more than 1 million copies of his book which centers around the concept that money should be simple. One reviewer on Amazon wrote, “Morgan Housel’s The Psychology of Money is not your typical finance book. It’s an insightful and profound exploration of how human behavior, rather than cold hard numbers, often determines financial success—or failure. If you’re looking for a book that teaches you how to manage wealth, understand greed, and find happiness, this is a timeless treasure trove of wisdom that transcends spreadsheets and stock markets.”

3. Rich Dad, Poor Dad, by Robert Kiyosaki

Money saving book Rich Dad, Poor Dad — Image Source: Amazon

After more than two decades, Rich Dad, Poor Dad still ranks as the number one personal finance book. The book debunks the myth that you have to have a high income to be rich and helps you to make your money work for you. One reviewer writes, “Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki is an extraordinary book that has truly changed my perspective on money, wealth, and financial literacy. This insightful and empowering read presents invaluable lessons that the rich teach their children about money, contrasting it with the mindset and beliefs commonly held by the poor and middle class.”

4. Broke Millennial, by Erin Lowery

Broke Millennial money saving book — Image Source: Amazon

Broke Millennial helps millennials stop living paycheck to paycheck. Erin Lowery uses simple advice and humorous stories to help you become a money master. Most readers find that the book provides practical advice on budgeting, savings, and investment options.

5. The Latte Factor, by David Bach

If you’re looking for more of a novel, The Latte Factor may be for you. John David Mann introduces us to Zoey, a twenty-something living in New York City who is struggling to make ends meet, even though she has her dream job. Zoey soon learns the secrets to financial freedom through Henry, a barista at her favorite coffee shop. One review stated, “Forget sacrificing your beloved brew – the “Latte Factor” is a metaphor for the small, daily expenses that accumulate into a significant drain on your net worth over time. In plain English, Bach explains how redirecting these seemingly small amounts into savings and investments can lead to considerable wealth accumulation. No matter your age or stage in life, this book offers valuable insights that prove sometimes life-changing lessons come in small, easy-to-digest packages.”

6. Financial Feminist, by Tori Dunlap

In Financial Feminist, Tori Dunlap helps females who usually don’t get a holistic financial education, achieve financial freedom. Her money saving book focuses not on shame, judgment, and deprivation, but instead on money as providing choice and the freedom to live the way you want.

What are your favorite money saving books? Let us know what books have transformed your finances.

7 Great Retirement Planning Books For Couples

10 Date Night Gift Ideas That Will Impress Your Partner

Posted on March 31, 2025 - 10:26 am by Teri Monroe

Keeping the spark alive in your relationship requires effort, creativity, and a touch of surprise. One of the best ways to do this is through thoughtful date nights that break the routine and bring you closer together. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to show your appreciation, a well-planned date night gift idea for couples can make all the difference. From romantic experiences to fun-filled activities, here are some unique date night gift ideas that will impress your partner and create lasting memories.

1. Bring Forever Roses

Bringing flowers to your date is a sweet romantic gesture. But they die too fast. Instead, give your partner flowers they can remember for years to come like forever roses. They won’t need to keep them alive as these roses stay preserved for many years.

2. Gift Artisanal Chocolates

Chocolate is never a bad idea to bring on a date, especially if your partner has a sweet tooth! If you want to wow your partner show up with a box of truffles to share.

3. Go Antiquing

If you love finding diamonds in the rough, going to a flea market together or searching through antique shops can be a fun afternoon for you and your partner. Plus, you can feature your finds in your home. Antiques often make meaningful gifts if you find a beautiful piece of jewelry for your spouse.

4. Get a Goldbelly Meal from Your Favorite Restaurant

With Goldbelly, you can order food from restaurants and bakeries from around the world. If you share a memory at a restaurant where you shared your first date, you can recreate the experience in your own home. Goldbelly is a fun way to try new places from around the world as well without having to visit. Ordering and shipping are easy and arrives relatively quickly.

5. Hire a Private Chef

Have you ever had a private chef cook for you and your partner? Date night gift ideas for couples include hiring a private chef to cook you an intimate meal. You can even order a hibachi chef to put on a show for you and your spouse. Make sure to customize the menu to include all your favorite dishes and make the night very memorable!

6. Take a Pottery Class

There’s nothing more romantic than having a Ghost-themed date. Enjoy a pottery class with your loved one and take home your works of art as a gift to remember the occasion. There’s plenty of opportunity to turn this class into a romantic date.

7. Create a Lego Night

If you enjoy putting Lego together this is a great idea for a date night with your partner. Now Lego even has floral designs that can be a great gift idea that you both can cherish. Plus, they don’t need water!

8. Organize a Wine and Cheese Tasting

Why not put together a wine and cheese night for your spouse? You can include all your favorites from the wineries you have visited. Or you can take a trip to different regions. For a gift, you can paint wine glasses to commemorate your evening.

9. Have a Paint Night

If you enjoy interactive dates, try painting! Then, you can hang your art in your home. You can go out and participate in a group class or order a box and try painting at home.

10. Take a Camping trip

If you’re looking to get outside, plan a camping trip for you and your spouse. You can gift each other all the supplies you will need and you can put together a romantic picnic to share.

What are some date night gift ideas for couples that you’ve tried? Let us know what has worked for you.

Married and in a Rut? These 10 Date Night Ideas Will Make You Feel Like Newlyweds Again

Feeling Distant? Signs of a Lack of Emotional Connection in Your Relationship

Posted on March 31, 2025 - 9:47 am by Teri Monroe

lack of emotional connection in relationship

If you feel lightyears away from your partner, you may be lacking an emotional connection. This isn’t uncommon approximately 30% of married couples in the U.S. report severely discordant relationships, indicating significant relational issues, including emotional disconnection. Many couples face challenges with emotional intimacy at various points. Here are key warning signs to watch for a lack of emotional connection in a relationship.

1. Lack of Meaningful Communication

Are your conversations stuck on surface-level topics? If deep, vulnerable talks are missing, your emotional connection may be suffering. You might feel unseen or unheard when you try to engage in more meaningful discussions. When emotional intimacy fades, conversations often become transactional focusing on schedules, errands, or responsibilities rather than personal feelings or dreams. Over time, this can create emotional distance and leave you feeling isolated, even when you’re physically together.

2. No Physical Affection

A lack of physical touch often reflects emotional distance. When emotional intimacy weakens, couples may feel like roommates rather than romantic partners. Hugs, kisses, and other forms of affectionate touch become rare, and this absence can create a sense of loneliness and disconnection. Physical touch is a powerful way to express love and reinforce emotional bonds.

3. Resentment and Tension

When small disagreements escalate quickly or tension lingers, your emotional connection may need attention. Unresolved conflicts can lead to feelings of resentment, which erode trust and intimacy over time. If you find yourself feeling irritated by your partner’s actions or withdrawing emotionally, it’s a sign that underlying issues need to be addressed.

To ease tension, practice active listening and empathy. Acknowledge each other’s feelings and work together to find solutions. By addressing conflict openly and constructively, you can transform moments of tension into opportunities for deeper understanding and connection.

4. Living Parallel Lives

Do you feel like you and your partner are simply coexisting rather than sharing a life? When couples stop participating in each other’s daily experiences, emotional distance grows. You may find yourselves pursuing separate interests without much overlap or spending more time apart than together.

Reconnecting involves making a conscious effort to share experiences. Schedule regular date nights, engage in hobbies together, or simply spend quality time talking about your day. Prioritizing each other and finding common ground helps to weave your lives back together.

5. Lack of Emotional Support

During challenging times, emotional support is crucial. If your partner seems indifferent or unavailable when you need comfort, it can deepen feelings of disconnection. Relationships thrive when both partners feel safe, supported, and valued.

To foster emotional support, create a space where both of you feel comfortable expressing vulnerabilities. Offer reassurance, validate each other’s feelings, and be present during difficult moments. These actions build a sense of security and reinforce your emotional bond.

What to Do Next

If these signs resonate, it’s time to open the lines of communication. Building emotional intimacy takes time and effort but forms the foundation of trust and connection in any relationship. Initiate conversations about how you both feel and what you need to feel more connected.

Married and in a Rut? These 10 Date Night Ideas Will Make You Feel Like Newlyweds Again

Posted on March 24, 2025 - 10:52 am by Teri Monroe

After many years of marriage, date night ideas for married couples can feel stale and uninspired. You may need inspiration to reignite the flame and make you feel like newlyweds again. Here are 10 date night ideas for married couples if you feel like you need to reconnect.

1. Escape Room

Escape rooms are great for team building and bonding with your partner. Anything competitive where you get to work together can help you reconnect with your spouse. This can also be a good group date for you and other couples.

2. Dinner and a Show

Going to your favorite restaurant and heading to a Broadway show or concert can help you create lasting memories with your spouse. A night on the town can rekindle the spark you share. Try surprising your partner with last-minute tickets to their favorite musical or play.

3. Cooking Class

If you both enjoy getting in the kitchen, consider taking your spouse to a cooking class. You’ll have this memory every time you cook the dishes from the class with your partner. This is a great date night idea for married couples, especially around Valentine’s Day!

4. Ax Throwing

Ax throwing is an activity that can relieve stress and bring the two of you together. There are also lots of opportunities for helping each other and physical touch. This can help you feel like newlyweds again!

5. Trivia Night

There’s nothing more fun than heading to a bar with friends and participating in trivia night. This is a great night out for married couples, and it also has a social element.

6. Bar Crawl and Food Tours

Bar crawls are great to do with other couples. You can explore local breweries, the food scene, or wineries. Food can be many couple’s love language and trying new places together can be a fun way to explore and reconnect.

7. Leave Town for The Weekend

An impromptu trip with your spouse can make you feel like newlyweds again. Why not take your spouse to a bed and breakfast? You can sleep in and enjoy time alone together. Even a staycation at an Airbnb can feel like a getaway.

8. Sunset Cruise

Watching the sunset from a boat is a romantic experience for you and your partner. On many sunset cruises, you can even enjoy dinner and drinks. You can even charter a sailboat for a more intimate excursion with your spouse.

9. Low-Tech Evening

Pretend like the power has gone out and have a low-tech evening with your partner. Pull out the candles, order takeout, and play board games or put together a puzzle. Make sure to put away your phones!

10. Scavenger Hunt

There’s nothing more romantic than arranging a scavenger hunt for you and your spouse. Bonus if the scavenger hunt visits all of your special places like your first date, first kiss, or favorite restaurants.

Date Night Ideas For Married Couples

Many couples swear by date nights to save their marriage. Regardless of how long you’ve been married, date nights can help you feel like you’re keeping the spark alive. How do you keep your marriage fresh? What date night ideas for married couples can you share? Let us know in the comments.

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Successful People Swear by These 7 Personal Development Habits—Here’s Why

Posted on March 19, 2025 - 9:34 am by Teri Monroe

Talent or luck isn’t what sets successful people apart, it’s daily habits and investing in personal development. Here we’ll discuss seven personal development habits that successful people swear by and why they work. Whether you’re aiming to advance your career, shift your mindset, or improve yourself, adopting these habits can set you on the path to success. Here are 7 personal development examples that you need to adopt.

1. Set Goals

Setting goals that are attainable and writing them down can lead to your success. A study by Michigan State University found that 76% of participants who wrote down their goals, actions, and provided weekly progress reports to a friend, successfully achieved their goals. Make sure that you’re setting a long-term vision as well as short-term goals.

2. Work on Your Mindset

Having a growth mindset instead of a fixed mindset can lead to your success. This means that you’re open to challenges, learn from your mistakes, and continue to work on your skills. If you let go of limiting beliefs and fixed mindset, you can achieve so much more and create change. Additionally, studies have shown that positive people are more successful than negative people. Working on your mindset can have a significant impact on your personal development.

3. Never Stop Learning

As Albert Einstein said, “Once you stop learning, you start dying.” The most successful people never stop learning and improving themselves. The most successful people read for at least 30 minutes per day. Bill Gates for example reads around 50 books a year, averaging about 3 hours daily. You should also sign up for continuing education courses to help your development.

4. Manage Productivity

Personal development examples include managing your time and productivity effectively. There are many strategies that successful people employ. For example, you can try the Pomodoro Technique which calls for 25 minutes of focus and 5-minute breaks. Practicing self-discipline and holding yourself accountable can also help you be more productive.

5. Surround Yourself with The Right People

Any successful person will tell you that surrounding yourself with the right people and networking is paramount to success. Push yourself to attend networking events and make sure to follow up with any new contacts. You never know who may be helpful in your career down the road.

6. Self-Reflect

To be successful, it’s important to check in with yourself. Successful people often find journaling helpful to reflect on their day. Some focus on celebrating the positive aspects of each day, while others write about steps they have taken to reach their goals. With reflection, you can make adjustments based on your successes and failures.

7. Find Balance

Successful people understand that there has to be balance in their lives in order to perform their best. This includes finding a healthy work-life balance and finding time for health and wellness. Getting good rest, exercising, eating well, and managing stress are all important aspects of finding balance and happiness in your life.

What are some personal development examples that have helped you in your life and career? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.

Weekend Getaways for Couples: 12 Affordable Destinations That Feel Like Luxury

Posted on March 17, 2025 - 7:00 am by Teri Monroe

Luxurious weekend getaways for couples don’t have to break the bank. Whether you crave a mountain retreat or a getaway to a sandy beach, there are many affordable romantic options for couples that deliver a five-star experience. Here are 12 affordable options for your next vacation.

1. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia is a Southern city with historic charm. It’s the perfect setting for a romantic getaway with picturesque cobblestone streets lined with Spanish-moss trees and beautiful architecture. You can take a carriage ride through the city’s 22 squares or book a ghost tour to explore the city’s cemeteries and ghostly legends. A short drive from Savannah, Tybee Island is the perfect spot to watch a sunset.

2. New Bern, North Carolina

The second oldest town in North Carolina, New Bern is nestled along the Neuse River. The town has a unique blend of colonial architecture, beautiful waterfront views, and a vibrant arts scene. While there, visit Tryon Palace, a stunning 18th-century Georgian-style mansion that was the colonial governor’s residence. If you enjoy the outdoors, there is a beautiful 22-mile-long trail that runs along the Neuse River.

3. San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico weekend getaways for couples — Image Source: Pexels

As the capital and largest city of Puerto Rico, San Juan is brimming with rich culture, beautiful beaches, vibrant colonial architecture, and a lively nightlife scene. Wander through the colorful streets of Old San Juan and visit shops, cafes, and art galleries. San Juan also has an excellent food scene. Try traditional Puerto Rican dishes like Mofongo, arroz con gandules, and lechón.

4. Block Island, Rhode Island

While many tourists are visiting Newport in Rhode Island, Block Island is a much more affordable option. Just 13 miles off the coast of mainland Rhode Island, Block Island is peaceful and scenic. You can rent a private home or stay in one of the many bed and breakfasts. Check out Mohegan Bluff’s towering cliffs that offer breathtaking views.

5. Finger Lakes, New York

If Napa Valley isn’t in the budget, the Finger Lakes in New York has plenty of wineries to choose from. The region is known for its cool-climate wines, including Riesling and Pinot Noir. Letchworth State Park is referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East and you can even take a hot-air balloon ride here!

6. Tulum, Mexico

Lodging at a boutique hotel in Tulum is very affordable. If you both enjoy history, you can explore ancient Mayan ruins. Or spend the day at a beachfront cabana sipping a tropical drink.

7. Québec City, Canada

Want European ambience without the expensive flight? Quebec is a great option for affordable weekend getaways for couples. In Old Quebec, Château Frontenac is one of the most photographed hotels in the world.

8. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Mackinac Island weekend getaways for couples — Image Source: Pexels

Enjoy the Victorian-Era architecture and small-town charm of Mackinac Island. There are no cars on the island, so grab your bike or take a horse-drawn carriage through the scenic streets. Don’t miss the fudge shops and be sure to walk through The Grand Hotel, which has the world’s longest porch.

9. Sedona, Arizona

If you both are nature lovers looking for a peaceful retreat, Sedona is a good weekend getaway for couples. Known for its red rock formations, you can visit Red Rock State Park, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross, which is built into the rocks.

10. Lake Tahoe, California

The crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe make this a luxurious getaway for couples. There are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from such as skiing, hiking, and boating.

11. The Poconos, Pennsylvania

The Poconos offers many affordable resorts where you can soak in the outdoors or enjoy spa treatments and fine dining. Try skiing on Camelback Mountain in the winter or hike Bushkill Falls in the warmer months.

12. Portland, Maine

This coastal town has excellent food, an emerging craft beer scene, and a laid-back atmosphere. Old Port has many shops, art galleries, music venues, and delicious restaurants.

Where do go for affordable weekend getaways for couples? Let us know in the comments.

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These 7 Workplace Habits Are Secretly Holding You Back—Fix Them Now!

Posted on March 12, 2025 - 8:28 am by Teri Monroe

Workplace habits that are holding you back

Feeling stuck in your career? If promotions and recognition seem out of reach, your habits at work might be holding you back. Here are seven workplace habits that could be slowing your progress, and how to fix them to climb the corporate ladder.

1. Procrastination

If you constantly procrastinate, you’re probably putting undue stress on yourself. While some people work well under pressure, this workplace habit could wear you down over time. Plus, if you rush to meet a deadline you may not be producing your best work.

2. Spreading Yourself Too Thin

Do you consistently take on too much work? If you are inclined to say yes to additional projects, you may be burning yourself out. If you are experiencing burnout, you’re not alone. SHRM’s Employee Mental Health in 2024 Research Series found that 44 percent of 1,405 surveyed U.S. employees feel burned out at work. Burnout can lead to negative impacts emotionally such as exhaustion, irritability, and anger. If you want to avoid burnout, stop the workplace habit of spreading yourself too thin.

3. Ignoring Feedback

Do you get defensive when you receive feedback? Listening to constructive feedback and making adjustments is critical for your development. When receiving feedback it’s important to listen, ask for clarification if necessary, and come up with a game plan for improvement. If you fail to receive feedback, you could damage the relationship with your boss, continue to make the same mistakes, and miss out on opportunities for growth.

4. Resisting Change

Just like ignoring feedback, resisting change is another workplace habit you need to let go of. Most of the time when we resist change, it’s out of fear or insecurity. According to Gartner, only 38% of employees today are willing to support organizational change. Showing that you are able to adapt to workplace changes will help you to further your career.

5. Not Taking Initiative

Do you wait for assignments from your boss instead of taking initiative? You may find that this workplace habit negatively impacts your performance review, job growth, and feelings of stagnation. If you learn to take initiative, you’ll most likely learn new skills, gain favor with your boss, and even receive recognition for your efforts.

6. Failing to Build Relationships

Even if you are happy in your job, networking is always important. You never know when building professional relationships will benefit you especially if you are looking for a new job. Additionally, networking can help you gain valuable industry insights.

7. Disorganization

Are you lacking order and structure in your day-to-day work? Even if you think you have a handle on your productivity, disorganization will most likely hold you back. For example, physical clutter may lead to misplaced documents. In addition, poor planning can lead to missed deadlines. By taking the time to get organized, you can increase your productivity and reduce stress.

What bad workplace habits are you trying to break? Let us know what you’re working on in the comments.

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How to Get a Fine Dining Experience on a Budget (Yes, It’s Possible!)

Posted on March 10, 2025 - 7:00 am by Teri Monroe

How to Have a Fine Dining Experience on a Budget

Are you craving a fine dining experience, but don’t want to spend a lot of money? It’s possible to enjoy the finer things in life without going over your monthly food and dining budget. Here are all the tips you need to find affordable fine dining experiences.

Take Advantage of Events

Almost every major city has some sort of restaurant week where special menus are offered at a reasonable price. Restaurants may also offer a prix fixe menu for certain holidays or events that are more reasonable than its regular menu items. Plus, with a prix fixe menu you’ll know exactly how much you’ll be paying for your meal ahead of time.

Consider Timing

Many restaurants that are open for lunch will offer similar dishes for a fraction of the price. Timing your fine dining experience right can save you a good deal of money. You may find that some restaurants offer better deals during the week to entice patrons to visit during non-peak hours. Happy hours are another great option for sampling food at a fine dining establishment for a discounted price.

Research Prices Beforehand

It’s worth it to research fine dining experiences on places like Tripadvisor or Yelp before spending your money on a pricey meal. By reading reviews, you may find that an expensive fine dining experience isn’t worth the hype or price tag. Plus, researching menus ahead of time will help you budget better for your meal.

Share Meals

Consider going to a fine dining experience with a group and split dishes. Sharing a variety of appetizers, tapas, or family-style meals not only helps you to split the costs but also allows you to try a variety of menu items without ordering too much food. If you’re going with a group and trying to save money, it’s a good idea to discuss what you are all comfortable paying for per person before ordering. This way no one gets carried away!

Say Cheers Responsibly

Limit alcohol to have a fine dining experience on a budget — Image Source: Pexels

Cocktails, beer, and wine typically inflate your bill significantly if you aren’t careful. If you are going to indulge in an alcoholic beverage, try ordering a standard cocktail or sharing a bottle of wine with your table. Going to a BYOB restaurant could also help you save money.

Try Less Expensive Menu Items

Typically you can find less expensive menu options at many restaurants. Consider a vegetarian option or pasta dish instead of a more expensive item like steak or fish. You’ll still get to experience the cuisine without breaking your budget.

Utilize Discounts and Points

Does the restaurant you want to dine at have a loyalty program or other discounts? It doesn’t hurt to do some research before booking your reservation. If not, you can always use a rewards credit card to pay for your meal so that you can receive points.

How do you budget for fine dining experiences? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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7 Reasons Life Is Better With No Kids

Posted on February 19, 2025 - 7:00 am by Teri Monroe

In recent years, more couples are making the decision not to have kids. While the choice to not have children is often complex, according to the Harris Poll about 5% of Americans are choosing the DINKs lifestyle. Additionally, according to Pew Research, 57% of adults under 50 who say they’re unlikely to ever have kids say a major reason is they just don’t want to. So, is life better with no kids? Here are 7 reasons why it may be.

1. More Disposable Income

According to the USDA, the cost to raise a child in the United States is $233,610 on average over 18 years. This of course varies by state and income. That being said, having children is a huge financial commitment that may limit other areas of your spending. With no kids, you can prioritize spending on travel and luxuries that you may not be able to afford comfortably with a family.

2. More Freedom

No kids mean more freedom to be spontaneous. You can make last-minute plans with friends or family without planning for childcare. Plus, every day you won’t have to stress about picking kids up from school or daycare. Ultimately, you may find that life with no kids means less responsibility.

3. More Time to Pursue Passions

More time to pursue career with no kids — Image Source: Pexels

If you’re focused on your career and pursuing your dreams, you may find that a DINK lifestyle suits your current situation. While it’s possible to juggle work and children, you might not be interested in doing so. According to Pew data, about six-in-ten say not having children makes it easier for them to be successful in their job or career.

4. Deeper Relationships

You may find that a life with no kids allows you to focus on deepening your relationship with your partner. While having children changes a relationship, parenting isn’t for every relationship. Many couples are happier with just their partners and growing together over the years. Additionally, many couples with no kids say that they have more time for social connections and an active social life.

5. More Time for Personal Growth

Not having kids allows you more time for personal growth. You can prioritize self-care, health, and wellness in ways that may be challenging if you have kids. Many parents say that they lose their sense of self after becoming parents. With no kids, you can fully embrace your independence and identity and not be defined by being a parent.

6. More Flexibility when Making Decisions

Many life decisions are altered when you have kids. For example, housing decisions usually change once you have kids. Even future plans and financial decisions like retirement will be influenced by having children. You may not be as comfortable taking risks if you have children.

7. Release from Societal Pressures

Making the decision to not have kids can be liberating and release you from pressures from family, friends, and even yourself to start a family. Women especially feel the pressure of their own biological clock, especially as many women are choosing to have children well into their 30s. If having a family isn’t for you and your partner, definitively making that decision can be freeing.

Are you choosing to have no kids? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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