This Time, It’s Personal

The tale of 2020 will be told for years to come. No one has been left untouched by stress and uncertainty and it seems like every day comes with news so wild, it can’t possibly be true. Yet through it all, we have come together as a community. We will survive to tell the tale. Now? It’s time to take back control and thrive.

In the midst of chaos, a hero rises. That hero… is you. SunWest, like a proper sidekick, is here to offer support. We’re not going to let 2020 crush your dreams. We’re here to reinforce them. With a 7.90% personal loan, you can take control and choose your path. Will you plan your dream staycation? Fund the wedding you’ve been awaiting once COVID is a distant memory? Consolidate your debts so you can focus on your future? You can even complete the home renovations you’ve had to put off for far too long.

Don’t let the stress of the past 12 months build up and knock you down. Your plans have already been paused most of the year. Apply now by going to any SunWest branch, calling our loan-by-phone team, or submitting your forms online. There’s no better way to show 2020 who’s boss than by totally owning the new year. You won’t be pancaked by the setbacks that tried to keep you down: this time, it’s personal.

A loan as flexible as an Olympic gymnast, requiring no collateral that would just slow it down, and with a fixed rate as steady as your resolve? There’s no better tool to assist you in being the architect of your future. Now’s your time to get back on track. Get up, brush that dirt off, and shine like you were meant to. Make 2021 your BEST. YEAR. YET.

All I Want For Christmas Is…

The holiday season is in full swing – preparations for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and even New Year’s are already underway for many. Many stores have started playing Christmas music, decorations are being sold, coffee cups have holiday wishes on them. We at SunWest associate this time of year with a tradition close to our hearts: our toy drive.

Partnering with the Peoria Firefighters Charities, we collect toys at participating branches. After about a month, we give the firefighters everything that has been donated, and their volunteers sort through the toys that will be delivered to families in need on Christmas Eve. Being able to help the community by assisting the Peoria Firefighters in their mission is a source of pride and passion for us.

This is where you come in! From November 12 to December 12, four of our branches will be collecting unopened toys for ages 0-13. Bring in your donation to our Cactus, Arrowhead, Goodyear, Mesa, or Pantano branches to put in our toy drive box. For more information, check out our Events page here.

We’re sure to put smiles not only on the faces of the kids getting toys, but the parents knowing their children won’t feel left out of this tradition, and the firefighters who get to deliver these gifts of joy to the families. If you have any questions, stop by any of the four branches above, or message us on social media. Together, let’s spread some holiday cheer!

Saint Patrick’s Day Tips and Treats

Saint Patrick’s Day is a fun holiday that, in America, celebrates Ireland in a number of ways! People enjoy drinking and eating green-colored beverages and food. They wear green – and if you don’t you might get pinched! There are also a variety of events to attend.

You can visit the Irish Cultural Center for music, food, crafts, dancing, and more! Everyone of all ages is sure to find something delightful. And of course there’s the parade that goes through Phoenix! Our own McDowell branch will be closed because of the road closures. Imagine the fun floats! It’s sure to be the “greenest day in the desert”, as they say! For even more ideas, check out this list!

If you have more time over the weekend or just prefer to celebrate at home rather than go join the crowds, there’s plenty you can do. Make some traditional Irish food, like boxty, coddle, or barmbrack! If those names aren’t enticing enough for you, there’s a lot more to check out! You could also spend some time crafting with your kids – some of these are so fun, you might want to make them even if you don’t have kids!

What are your plans for this weekend? Hopefully some of these ideas will catch your eye. Perhaps you already had plans in mind! Let us know so that we (and others) can share in the celebration. Maybe you’ll get lucky and find (or craft!) a pot of gold!

Valentine’s Day: Gifts from the Heart

What are your favorite Valentine’s Day gifts you’ve ever gotten? What are the ones you’re most proud of giving? Now, how much did these gifts cost? Sometimes the more expensive ones will keep a loved one happy. But almost always, a gift that is less pricey but more personal will be remembered forever.

Lisa from Retro Housewife has collected some great ideas. Try making your own lavender bath bombs, in the shape of hearts, to give to your significant other – or a friend or family member you want to show how much you love and appreciate them. Or try giving something a bit more unusual, like homemade beard oil, or 12 months of pre-planned date nights! There are plenty of other good suggestions in that list.

How about this homemade heating pad by Bren from Bren Did? It’s perfect for those who are a little more crafty. You can customize it for your loved one by color, and put whatever short message you want. She’s also given a printable pattern for the tags to go with it! It’s super nice for those who want to stay warm, have tired muscles, sick kids, and more. It’s useful and a pretty uncommon gift to give, especially when made yourself!

Gifts like these are sure to stay in the minds and hearts of your loved ones for a long time. They are great for family, friends, and your romantic partner. Try saving some money this Valentine’s Day and adding a personal touch to your present. It’s sure to be a great experience for all involved, with memories to cherish long into the future.

Valentine’s Day: Inexpensive Ways to Celebrate

Only two weeks until Valentine’s Day is here! How do you celebrate it? With friends, family, a special someone? There are all sorts of people you might share this holiday with, leading to many ways you can end up spending a lot of money. Spend your time instead and create wonderful memories without breaking the bank.

Sensi from The Metamorphosis has great ideas on cheap dates. While these were thought up with college students in mind, people of all ages could benefit from these ideas. A picnic, whether indoors or outdoors depending on how cold it is, could be fun for anyone! Get heart-shaped foods, a red blanket, some candles, and maybe flowers, and you’re ready to go. Make it more romantic based on the cards you choose, some champagne, the lighting, or music. A movie night at home could also be romantic or platonic, depending on the movies you choose and who you invite, of course! No matter what, you’ll save money and still enjoy yourselves.

For more ideas, check out Kristin’s suggestions from Believe in a Budget. She has great tips for inexpensive gifts, but also for activities. Cooking dinner together with your loved one (or loved ones, if you want to include more of your family or friends) is a perfect way to spend quality time together. You could hand-write love letters together, or work on a different project like painting or making centerpieces. Your creations will always remind you of this Valentine’s Day experience!

While fancy gifts and glamorous dates are exciting, a simple, less-expensive activity can be even more meaningful. Plan a cozy evening at home with your significant other, take your date on a moonlit walk, make heart-shaped treats with your family. Valentine’s Day is a time to spread the love, and you don’t need a bunch of money to show others how much you care.

Start The New Year Off Right

Are you ready for the New Year? There isn’t much more time until 2019 is here! What are your New Year’s resolutions? Maybe you’ve got at least one that has to do with you money situation. If so, here are some ideas on how to start yourself off right and make 2019 your best financial year yet.

In any plan, it always helps to be organized – but even more so for your finances. Make sure to set solid goals. You can start with the year, then see how you can break down the steps to get there by each month. Then break the steps down even further to what you can do each week to stay on track. It may or may not be easy for you to write out these steps to your goals, but once you are done, the most important thing will be to stick to them.

Maybe you want to lower your utility bills. Maybe you want to put more into your savings. Maybe you’re trying to pay off your debt. Whatever you’re aiming for, try to start with steps that are small and doable so you can build yourself up to making bigger and bigger changes. Check out here how you can work on this plan.

If you don’t have any financial resolutions for 2019, maybe you’ll think of some now! You might be in a financial situation you’re happy with already, but in that case, you could help out someone else. Teach your kids or a friend or other family member how you got to where you are so they can improve their money habits too. So what are your New Year’s resolutions? Comment here or on our social media pages, you could end up inspiring others to do the same!

Make Your Own Gifts

Looking to save money during the holidays? It’s a time where many people get a lot of gifts for their family, friends, and coworkers. They might even be donating money or gifts for underprivileged people to be able to enjoy their holidays more. While the spirit of giving can be fun and make us feel good, it can also hurt our wallets. Here are some ways to save money on presents but still show others you were thinking of them.

Picture (c) It’s Always Autumn

For something that’s not only cost-effective but also quick, check out this list by Autumn at It’s Always Autumn. For example: if you have a slow cooker, try making caramel apple butter in a large batch so you can create gifts for several people at once. You could get jars from the dollar store, and even make your own labels depending on how creative you’re feeling! Your recipients are sure to think of you with a smile every time they have another bite.

If you want more fun, useful gifts you can make yourself, check out this list from Kristen at DIY Cozy Home. The Reading Pillow she found from Melissa at Polkadot Chair is adorable, customizable, and is sure to get a lot of use from the readers in your life! Try it out or any of the other many lovely, doable ideas on the list and keep your costs down and your recipients happy.

Picture (c) Polkadot Chair

Amber from Crazy Little Projects has compiled a list of homemade gifts you can give. It covers pretty much everyone you might be thinking of this time of year, from neighbors, to kids, to people who like to bake! There are plenty of wonderful ideas just between these three links. If you’re looking for something even more specific and heartfelt, there is sure to be something more directly related to the interests of the person you want to spoil – but on a budget! All you need is to search the internet for DIY gifts related to those interests. Have fun creating gifts that are sure to bring joy to your loved ones – without you worrying about breaking the bank!

What To Do With Thanksgiving Leftovers

It’s Black Friday and you probably have some leftovers from the Thanksgiving feast. Do you like to eat the same meal all over again? Many of us do! But it depends on each person, and of course, it depends on what exactly you had in the first place that may or may not hold up the same in the second round. Just in case you want to spice things up a bit with your post-Thanksgiving meals, here are some awesome ideas.

Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole from Favorite Family Recipes

One fairly simple idea would be to make a Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole, like they recommend at Favorite Family Recipes. All you have to do is combine and layer several of your leftover dishes, then bake! They also suggest making sandwiches that can be tasty whether cold from the fridge or heated up. Why not try out something that’s so little effort compared to making a whole new meal? It costs less, too!

Becky from The Cookie Rookie has a fairly unique idea: Thanksgiving Leftovers Quesadilla! This is a sure way to liven up the food from the day before. Plus, it’s easy enough to pack up and take with you if you are heading out for some Black Friday shopping! Or maybe your shopping will be done online from the comfort of your couch. Either way, this is a great recipe to try out and help use up some turkey and cranberry sauce.

Thanksgiving Leftovers Quesadilla from The Cookie Rookie

What will you be up to today and the rest of this weekend? Whether you’re going shopping, playing games with the family, watching holiday movies, or any other post-Thanksgiving traditions, save time and money on your food. Use up your leftovers with some creative ideas so you don’t get bored with them, and end up with much less waste. Maybe some of these leftovers recipes will become your family’s new tradition!

Saving On Your Thanksgiving Festivities

Thanksgiving is a holiday where we celebrate gratitude – for our family, friends, home, food, and other things in our lives. It seems common for people to decorate in fall colors and provide lots and lots of food for their guests. However, if you’re trying to save money and keep to a budget during the holidays, this classic vision of Thanksgiving may not be for you. But what can you do if you’re hosting and others have expectations of how things are going to be?

First: make a plan! What are your priorities? Do you want to have over close family, extended family, and/or friends? That’ll affect how much food you need. Maybe you’ll want to create new traditions, or stick with the old ones. Maybe you want to buy premade dishes, or try out your own new recipes.

If you’re inviting a lot of people, you could have a potluck instead of making/buying everything yourself. That way the cost and the work is spread out, plus anyone who makes or buys something especially tasty will get to feel good from the compliments too! Just make sure to get a list of what everyone is bringing so that you can make sure you don’t end up with too much of one dish.

Once you know who’s coming and how much food you yourself will be providing, you can figure out what you need to buy. This will help when looking at holiday specials, and deciding if there are coupons or other discounts on the items you want. And then there are the usual recommendations when grocery shopping – buy generic instead of brand name, buy in bulk if there’s a good deal, try to get just enough for how many people you’ll be serving.

And don’t forget, the more you make yourself, the cheaper it will be. But you’ll have to decide if that balances out with the time involved in cooking. This can also apply to entertainment – instead of going to the movie theater or somewhere else more costly, play board games at home, or watch a movie from the library or a streaming service you’re already paying for anyway. You can even look up all sorts of games on the internet that you can play together without many supplies needed, or create your own game! Same thing with decorations – making them yourself tends to be cheaper, but can also take more time you might want to spend on relaxing!

Rather than feel burnt out on Thanksgiving Day, we hope with these tips you’ll be able to balance how much work you put into it and how much money you spend. Relaxing and sharing the time with loved ones is a much better way to spend your day (and the rest of your weekend, depending on how long your guests are staying or if you have other parties to go to). Don’t be afraid to mix in new traditions with the old! It’s sure to be a good time for all if you’re not stressed about your holiday budget and you can focus more on making great memories and above all, feeling grateful for all you have on Thanksgiving.

Halloween Safety Tips

Just a few more days until Halloween! You may have your costumes, candy, and decorations ready – or at least plans for them – but have you thought about safety? Especially if you’re taking kids trick-or-treating, it’s always a good idea to be prepared and discuss the rules with them. Here are a few tips on how to be safer this Halloween.Generally people start trick-or-treating when it starts to get dark, which makes it more fun and spooky – but also harder to see and be seen. Make sure kids know to be careful on roads, just because it’s Halloween doesn’t mean there won’t be any cars going through the neighborhood! Get glow sticks and tell children to have them out at all times – there are giant ones they can hold like wands, ones in shapes, ones that can be turned into bracelets or necklaces – it should be easy enough to find some that will work with whatever costume the trick-or-treater is wearing. If you’re not getting candy or going around with kids, but are driving around, be extra aware of those around you and go slower through neighborhoods.

People have all sorts of decorations, including real candles in pumpkins, so make sure all parts of the costumes are fire-resistant. If you’re going to wear Halloween makeup, check if it’s nontoxic before buying it. Once you get it, test it out on a small area so you can find out if you have an allergic reaction before covering your face or more with it! You definitely don’t want to start feeling itchy in the middle of a party or for your child to get a rash that would ruin their night and chances of candy!When trick-or-treating, a responsible adult should go with younger kids. Have your older kids decided they’re going on their own? Make sure they’re traveling with a group and agree on a time that they’ll get home by! And remember, it’s best to only go to houses with lights and decorations, and never go inside a home or car for a treat.

Are you feeling more prepared now? Well then, good luck on getting the best treats if you’re going trick-or-treating, and make sure to enjoy yourself, whatever you do. Try not to overload on too much candy in one night! Have a safe and happy Halloween!!