fbpx
:::: MENU ::::

Posts tagged with: dave ramsey

How to Be a Great Guest at End-of-the-Season Pool Parties Without Breaking the Bank

by

As summer winds down, pool parties become the perfect way to celebrate the season’s end. Being a thoughtful guest not only makes the event more enjoyable but also ensures you’ll be welcomed back next year. From bringing the right items to respecting house rules, there are many ways to make a positive impression. By paying attention to etiquette, showing gratitude, and participating in the fun, you’ll contribute to an unforgettable gathering. These thoughtful actions don’t require much money but show genuine appreciation for your host and create lasting memories that carry into the next season.

Be Mindful of Pool Safety

Safety should always come first at pool parties. Hosts often go the extra mile to keep the water safe and clean, and industry trends highlight this focus. According to Precedence Research, the pool water treatment chemicals market is expanding due to increased health and safety awareness and is growing at a remarkable CAGR from 2024 to 2034. Guests can show consideration by following posted rules, supervising children closely, and avoiding behaviors that could put others at risk. A guest who values safety saves the host both stress and money that might otherwise go toward unnecessary repairs or emergencies.

Bring a Thoughtful Gift

Showing up with a small token of appreciation is a classic way to thank your host. Simple gestures like bringing beverages, snacks, or even a pool-themed gift basket can make a big difference. According to Business Research Insights, the global gift baskets market size was valued at approximately $10 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $16.96 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 6%. Gifts don’t have to cost much money—what matters most is the thought behind them. A creative or personalized basket can make your contribution stand out while showing respect for your host’s efforts.

Respect the Space and Atmosphere

Pool parties are about creating memories in a relaxed environment. With an estimated 70 million residential swimming pools worldwide, according to worldmetrics.org, poolside gatherings are a common way for people to connect and unwind. Guests should respect the host’s property by cleaning up after themselves, using designated areas for food and drinks, and treating the pool and surrounding space with care. When people are careless, it can cost the host extra money in cleaning or repair bills. Respecting the space ensures everyone has a good time without creating additional burdens, and it shows maturity as a guest.

Participate and Have Fun

Parties are meant to be enjoyed, and hosts appreciate when guests engage in the festivities. Whether that means jumping into the pool, playing games, or simply starting conversations, participation makes the event livelier. Offering to help set up or clean up can also ease the burden on the host. While you don’t need to spend money to be helpful, investing your energy and time shows your appreciation. Striking this balance between fun and responsibility will leave a lasting impression and often means money doesn’t have to be the way you demonstrate gratitude.

Being a great guest at end-of-the-season pool parties comes down to thoughtfulness, safety, and respect. A small gift, courteous behavior, and active participation go a long way in making these gatherings enjoyable for everyone. Even without spending much money, you can show genuine gratitude and create wonderful memories with friends. By keeping these simple tips in mind, you’ll not only strengthen relationships but also guarantee more invitations in the future. Pool parties mark a joyful close to summer, and your presence can make them even more memorable and meaningful for all.

Financial Education Failure

by

I’m sure it’s not news to the BAD community that the American public education system (maybe private too) is failing our next generations by not teaching financial literacy in our schools. While I believe the original mindset was that it would be taught at home, it’s definitely not, and it’s a failure we should correct.

This was brought to mind when I saw this graphic online, and was like “Yes!” And sadly, this is the story of my life. Yes, I know, I know.

how do you play life? example monopoly game

Senior Year Win

I’m not sure I’ve shared this story before. It’s about the evolution of Princess education and how she ended up with a Bachelor’s of Finance. Yes, I know this has nothing to do with my debt journey, but I would say that my children had a pretty solid education on what not to do financially from me. Coupled with an education about the nuances of personal finance – budget, forecasting, credit score – as I learned about them.

But it was her senior year of high school when she ended up in a high school economics class that her vision of finances really broadened and became real world. I am pretty sure it was a required course. Last semester of her senior year.

I have no idea who the teacher was, but I am so grateful for her. She had the kids “buy” stocks and track them and report on them and research them and discuss them. Princess fell in love.

She had already been accepted to college as an engineering major. But before the semester was over (high school), she had contacted the college to change her desired major to economics.

Freshman Year Change

We had already planned her college route. Get the basics out of the way, and then focus on the major classes at the end. But sophomore year, she was in gen ed money related class. And that professor altered her path after meeting with her during office hours a few times. He identified her aptitude, inquisitiveness, and basic financial competence, and recommended she join the college club affectionately referred to as SMIF, Student Managed Investment Fund.

Through that experience, she once again changed her major from economics to finance and the rest is history. Through SMIF, she was able to travel to New York several times for competitions, was exposed a corporate world that both challenged and embraced her, and built her confidence in presenting, researching, and growth in ways I never could have imagined.

What’s next for her…

I’m so grateful that she is already so much further ahead than me in her knowledge of finance. And I’m especially grateful that one of my brothers is also in the corporate finance world so she’s had someone we trust to guide her, understand what she’s talking about, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. She’s now completed her onboarding training in the commercial banking world as an analyst, and is loving her job.