Tina Fey Scar Detective

Once upon a time, a gallon of gas cost a quarter. Back then, our dollar was still supported by real silver. Today’s cash isn’t backed by precious metals like it once was, but guess what? The same amount of silver still buys the same amount of gas it did way back when. Conclusion: “real money” (precious metals) hold their value even when the value of paper money declines. This is one reason why those in the know recommend investment in precious metals. Companies like Monex, who have been helping investors to diversify their portfolios with precious metals for nearly forty years, can provide some great guidance. In these volatile economic and political times, silver investment might be a perfect idea for you.

If you tried to take St. Nicholas out of Christmas today, you would be in a load of trouble. The immensely popular holiday icon immortalized in the 1823 classic,. “The Night before Christmas” was, however, once on the outs. During the 16th century Protestant Reformation, the church was looking away from the Saints and even some well-established gift-giving traditions involving St. Nick were under attack. He made it through, though, and is now intrinsically linked to the holiday. St. Nicholas isn’t the only one offering Christmas gifts, though. Most of hand out some holiday goodies. One popular choice is the gift basket. There is a great gift basket available for just about everyone and if you have a tricky person on your list, you can have one custom made. Take a lesson from St. Nick and hand out some awesome holiday cheer with a great gift basket! Ho, ho, ho!

What lasts less than one day, involves less than 200 people and has an average cost of $25,000?

A wedding!

Yep. For a wedding of 150 people, you can expect to pay about $25K. That’s a fair chunk of change. Once upon a time, the bride’s family would pick up the full tab. Times are changing though. Often, today’s weddings require resources from the groom’s family, too, and some money from the bride and groom themselves!

Think about all that goes into a great wedding and you can see why the costs add up. From big-ticket items like a wedding gown to smaller, but essential expenses like wedding cameras, everywhere you turn there is more upon which to spend.

Fortunately, a combination of good planning and smart budgeting can make the ideal wedding a reality. You might have to settle for something less than a recreation of the Charles/Diana royal festivities and you might have to start budgeting to decrease your living expenses over the course of the engagement, but funding a great wedding is possible. Millions of people get married every single year and most of them seem pretty darn happy with the big day, so it CAN be done.

Don’t let the price tag scare you. Just approach the matter smartly and you can afford a great wedding.