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Morning, Lakeland. Rachel here. I love a good sale and finding ways to keep money in my wallet – especially when it comes to Christmas shopping. After a trying year, I’m even more conscious of my spending as we approach my favorite time of year. |
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We could all use help finding some extra cash in our accounts for holiday gifts | Photo via Unsplash
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We bet a lot of you are in the same boat. So the local finance pros at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union have put together these 7 budgeting tips for the holidays to help you start planning ahead for the season’s celebrations without the added financial stress.
1. Create a budget and stick to your list 📝
It’s helpful to set a realistic limit on what you can afford to spend on gifts and stick to it. List all your holiday-related expenses, like decorations, travel, food, wrapping paper + gifts. Then make like Santa and check it twice.
#ProTip: If you need some wiggle room this year, consider applying for a Seasonal Shopping Loan from MIDFLORIDA, where members can borrow up to $1,000 with rates as low as 12.25%.*
2. Shop local 🛍️
Small, local businesses are hurting from the pandemic. A recent study revealed 43% of small businesses felt a significant to severe impact from COVID-19. Shopping at a local business will not only help support the local economy, but you’ll find unique gifts that can only be found in your hometown (and you’ll save on shipping costs if you can pick something up locally).
Some local places we love shopping for gifts from are Twenty Seven, Pura Vie, Concord Coffee and K. Scott Jewelry.
#ProTip: If you have a local store in mind, start shopping now. You’ll help cut down on the pressure of the upcoming holiday rush for the retailer and cut down on the stress of rushing around last-minute for yourself.
Find 5 more tips + tricks for holiday budgeting below. Ⓟ
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*Offer valid as of October 1, 2020, and may be cancelled at any time without notice. Credit approval required. A 10-month seasonal shopping loan of $1,000 with an Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 12.25% would have payments of $108.34. Other rates and terms available. Membership required.
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| How much does the average American spend on holiday gifts each year? |
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Find the answer in The Wrap.
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Weather
○ 84º | Scattered T-storms | 60% chance of rain
TheWord
○ Spaghetti (noun): “a long, thin, solid, cylindrical noodle pasta”...and also what Eta’s forecasted path is looking a little like. As of 5 p.m. on Tuesday, the storm was tracking near South Florida. In case you need the unfortunate reminder that hurricane season is not quite over, the National Hurricane Center is tracking two other disturbances that could become tropical cyclones this week. Keep up-to-date on the latest news via your local weather channel. (Wesh 2 News)
ComingSoon
○ You’ll definitely want to Gogh to this one. An immersive Van Gogh exhibit is coming to The Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg (~1-hour drive from Downtown Lakeland). The exhibit showcases Van Gogh’s work (like Starry Night + Sunflowers) in larger-than-life sizes that visitors can walk through and the museum is the first in the nation to host the show. Show dates run from Nov. 21-April 11, 2021 + tickets are available for purchase now. 🖼️ (Only In Your State)
Civic
○ A new monument was unveiled over the weekend in Veteran’s Memorial Park (141-199 Lake Beulah Dr.). The monument pays tribute to veterans of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm + the plaque shares the story of those in Polk County who gave their service + sacrifice, along with a quote from former President George H. W. Bush that reads: "This will not stand, this aggression against Kuwait."
○ To help prevent illegal dumping, the City of Lakeland has created a hotline (863.834.DUMP/3867), where residents can report illegal dumpings in neighborhoods. A portion of the fund will be used to award residents monetarily, who help catch illegal dumpers-in-progress.
Arts
○ Polk Museum of Art’s new gallery, "Observations: Street Photography From the Permanent Collection,” opened over the weekend + is now being showcased until Jan. 31, 2021. The gallery features photographs of street landscapes + the vibrance of the urban scene. DYK PMA offers free admission?
FeelGood
○ Andres Mercado – an art teacher in Winter Haven – is using his craft to help encourage his students. The Lake Marion Creek Middle School teacher has created murals to motivate students, during the onslaught of what 2020 has brought + is teaching students to create 3-D masks with materials that have been recycled to share other cultures in the world. 😷 (Winter Haven Sun)
Gallery
○ Did you attend last weekend’s First Friday? See if you can spot your face in the crowd by scrolling through these photos, taken by The Ledger. (The Ledger)
Arts
○ ICYMI, there’s a new interactive community mural, situated behind the RP Funding Center at (601 W. Lemon St.). The mural is part of artist @jeremycranor’s project, @projectlemonlkld. Before the building got a new splash of paint, it sat abandoned for three years, allowing Jeremy to ask the question: “What if we took an abandoned building that had little value to our community and added art? What would happen?” Jeremy is currently working on gathering up tagged photos (@projectlemonlkld) people post on Instagram to turn into a gallery-style coffee table book. 🎨
FloridaMan
○ Chris Nikic has made history as the first person with Down’s Syndrome to complete an Ironman Triathlon. The 21-year-old has this world record under his belt by swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles + running a 26.2-mile marathon – within 17-hours all under the 14-minute official cut-off time. Way to go, Chris. 👟 (Tampa Bay Times)
Health
○ Understanding health insurance, whether for groups or individuals, can be a challenge in today’s ever-evolving marketplace. The good news? Heacock Insurance has been doing just that for nearly 100 years. The local health insurance pros at Heacock know the ins and outs of coverage and the insurance marketplace. #Pro-tip: Now is a great time to talk with an agent as Medicare Open Enrollment ends on Dec. 7. Ⓟ
Shop
○ We just joined Club Publix. The registration process takes less than 3 minutes – from creating your login info to selecting your interests, i.e. savings, health + happy hour. See perks + sign up here. 🍷Ⓟ
Number
○ 1 billion. The approximate number of plastic phone cases that are sent to landfills each year. Pela is working to solve this environmental problem with their 100% compostable phone cases. Get up to 50% off during Pela’s Cyber Month Sale. 📱 Ⓟ
ForKids
○ Calling all moms: Joanna Parker started Yumble because she struggled to get healthy meals on the table during school nights. Yumble takes away meal-time stress with healthy, organic, ready-to-eat kids' meals, delivered directly to the doorstep of busy families. They're nutritionist-designed, mom-approved, and especially great for picky eaters. Bonus: They're offering 30% off and free shipping for LALtoday subscribers. Ⓟ
FeaturedJob
○ The Auto Club Group is seeking prospective Field Sales Agents who can generate new sales, retain existing members and grow ACG’s overall business through our multiple product offerings. Sound like something you’re interested in? Apply here. Ⓟ
DealOfTheDay
○ Does your business have a local deal you want to share with Lakeland on Black Friday? We’re taking a break from our regular scheduled programming to share the best local deals. Use code NOV27DEAL to save 70% ($175 off) and reserve your spot in LALtoday’s Black Friday email. Offer ends Sun., Nov. 15.
Correction
○ In Monday's newsletter, we mentioned the development of a 170-home neighborhood, and mistakenly cited the location of the build in Bartow. The correct location of the development is Northwest Lakeland at 830 Walker Rd. N. and west of Swindell Rd. H.C. Dairy Farm. (The Ledger)
Coronavirus
○ Several shopping centers in Polk County have experienced a reduction in foot-traffic, due to COVID-19. However, in North Lakeland, officials from the Lakeland Square Mall say they are beginning to see “an increase in traffic as time goes on.” Other accounts say the mall continues to be slower + that weekends are seeing the largest draw. As the holidays approach, large retailers are sharing their plans on whether or not they’ll be open on Thanksgiving + Black Friday – which you can read more about here. (The Ledger)
○ 40+ murder cases are currently backlogged in Polk County due to fewer jury proceedings, caused by COVID-19. Prosecutors say cases could take “years to rectify.”(The Ledger)
○ You can find more updates concerning COVID-19 case numbers on the Florida Department of Health dashboard. See Lakeland + Polk numbers here.
Click the button below for local resources regarding the coronavirus.
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Let’s be real: It’s been a pretty whirl-wind sort of year. So in the spirit of a little *reflection* (that we’re all undoubtedly overdue), check out this photo of our famous Southgate arch all lit up, taken by @brandoninlkld.
And make sure to tag us in your pics, using the hashtag #LALtoday for a chance to be featured. |
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#DYK that your photo could be featured in our newsletter? Just use #LALtoday on social media.
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Learn
○ Reopen(ed) Lakeland – ‘What’s Next for Small Businesses? | Tue., Nov. 10 | 3 p.m. | Virtual | Free, RSVP | These listening sessions are open to all local business owners.
Show
○ Vivaldi’s Four Seasons | Tue., Nov. 10 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | SUN ‘n FUN Outdoor Pavilion, 4175 Medulla Rd. | $29 | Enjoy an evening of orchestral music, live or virtually, with ISO’s performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. 🎻
○ Fall Percussion Concert | Tue., Nov. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Enjoy this performance of percussion performers from Southeastern University from the comfort of your home. 🥁
○ Molly’s Musician Showcase | Tue., Nov. 10 | 9 p.m. | Molly McHugh's Irish Pub, 111 S. Kentucky Ave. | Free | Open to all musicians to perform.
TryThis
○ Trivia Night | Tue., Nov. 10 | 7-9 p.m. | Mellow Mushroom, 3555 Lakeland Highlands Rd. | Prices Vary | $8 pitchers available and prizes will be awarded to the top three teams. 🏆
○ Poker Night | Tue., Nov. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | 7-11 p.m. | Barrel239, 239 3rd St. SW. Winter Haven | Prices Vary | Players receive 10% off drinks.
Watch
○ Bachelorette Watch Party | Tue., Nov. 10 | 8-10 p.m. | Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., STE. 102, Winter Haven | Prices Vary | Play the “Bachelorette Bracket” + win prizes. 🌹
Arts
○ Intro to ceramics | Tue., Nov. 10 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Unfiltered Coffee.Connect.Create, 160 Broadway Ave. | $40 | Space is limited, so make sure to sign up ASAP.
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Disclaimer: It is up to readers’ discretion to determine whether they feel comfortable participating in any mentioned events based on COVID-19 protocols and precautions. If you have questions, please contact the event’s organizers directly.
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Answered: C. The average American was estimated to spend nearly $1,050 on holiday gifts, goodies, and travel in 2019.
Also...here’s your treat for making it all the way to the bottom of the newsletter today: Cuban Egg Rolls. 😋
That’s one of the dishes that will be offered by The Back Nine (soon-to-be Lakeland’s newest golf-entertainment venue), according to the restaurant’s newly released menu. Other menu items include Birdie Bites (naan bites with roasted red pepper hummus), Philly Cheesesteak Dip (homemade cheese sauce with peppers, onions + meat), and a Veggie Platter (with fresh celery, carrots, zucchini + more). Though there’s no word yet on when The Back Nine will open, you can keep up-to-date on the latest, and check out more sneak peeks, on their Facebook page. 🏌️
🔄 Catch up on any newsletters you may have missed here.
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✏️️ Want to write an article for us? Find out how here.
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📖 Check out our Editorial Ethics Policy here. |
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