It is that time again known as pageant season! It is time to pay the registration fees, buy the dress, higher a pageant coach, and the list goes on. The one question that goes through the minds of parents and contestants (those old enough to pay their own way) is how will I pay all of the expenses related to this pageant? I know! I can charge everything to my credit card! Wrong answer!!!!!!!!! Yes, I said it. You can get mad at me all you want, but I will not change my answer. I don’t believe in going into debt for a pageant because it is not a financially smart decision. Debt keeps people in bondage, and why would you want the expenses of a pageant to follow you once the experience is over? I don’t know about you, but I am not about that life. I know pageants can be rather expensive, but with time and preparation, you can save up and pay cash for a pageant in no time. Below I have provided five ways to pay cash for your pageant.
1. Have a Yard Sale or Online Sale.
You will be surprised what people will pay for your pre-loved items.
2. Save Your Loose Change.
All of us have change in our purses or pockets. Get a clear jar and throw that loose change in there. You will be surprised how much change you can accumulate over an extended period of time. NO DIPPING INTO THE CHANGE JAR TO SATISFY YOUR CHICK FIL A or STARBUCKS HABIT.
3. Get a Second Job or a Side Hustle.
I know everyone hates the dreaded part time job, but in order to generate cash and stay out of debt you have to make sacrifices. Also, I am firm believer in multiple side hustles. I am blogger, pageant coach, affiliate marketer, and I work promotional gigs on the weekends. I generate income from all four sources not counting my full time career.
Related content: The Ultimate Pageant Side Hustle
4. Generate Sponsorships.
Contact your family, friends, coworkers, church members, etc. to see if they will donate money toward your pageant endeavors. Whether is is a $1.00 or $100.00, every donation helps. Also contact your local dress shop or boutique to see if they will sponsor your interview attire, evening grown, and/or shoes. In kind donations are wonderful because you don’t have to spend money for those items.
5. Go on a 30 Day Fast.
I am not telling you to go into the wilderness and not eat or drink for 30 days, but I am suggesting you give up impulse habits that cost you money. You will be surprised how much money you save by not going through the drive thru or a convenience store to pick up that soda and chips every week. The money you save can go towards your pageant expenses.
I know these suggestions may make your feel rather uncomfortable, but you must do different things in order to generate different results. Sacrifice and discipline are necessary when you are working towards a goal.
Signed,
The Financial Queen
“Properly Manage Your Finances so You Can Live Like Royalty”
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