4 Purposes for a Proactive Financial Calendar

I’m obsessed with organization. You know — one of those people who writes something down just so they can cross it off. While I’m overly organized in most areas of life, one area I could stand to improve in is financial planning, and one practical way I could do this is to create a proactive […]

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I’m obsessed with organization. You know — one of those people who writes something down just so they can cross it off. While I’m overly organized in most areas of life, one area I could stand to improve in is financial planning, and one practical way I could do this is to create a proactive financial calendar. After all, I have a daily/monthly/yearly planner and smartphone calendar for everything else… why not apply this to finances? Here are four key purposes this kind of calendar could serve in not only getting more organized, but getting ahead.

Help Remembering Time-Sensitive Tasks

This is perhaps the most obvious benefit of a financial calendar. Sure, you may pay the bills on time without reminders, but it’s easier to lose track of less frequent tasks like paying quarterly taxes, filing a yearly FAFSA, scheduling the appointment to have your taxes prepared, or signing up for medical benefits during open enrollment. All of these are time-sensitive, so plugging them into a calendar with built-in reminders will ensure you meet and beat deadlines without overtaxing your brain.

Breaking Up Overwhelming Tasks Into Smaller Segments

Some time-sensitive tasks like gathering tax documents are also notorious for inducing universal procrastination. The more overwhelmed we are at the thought of tackling a nasty financial project, the more likely we are to put it off until the last possible second. This is where a financial calendar can provide more than just an annoying reminder that you haven’t done it yet: it can actually help you break up a large task into several smaller, more manageable tasks. For instance, one chunk of a huge project might be gathering paperwork, making phone calls, printing statements, labeling files, or maybe just taking the time to purchase the organizational tools you’ll need. Of course, the size of these sub-tasks will depend on the amount of time before the entire project needs to be done (in other words, the sooner your start planning, the better).

Planning Ahead

This is what I need to work on the most, especially when it comes to vacation planning, holiday spending, and starting to set aside money for likely future expenses and savings goals. Planning ahead for vacation can literally save hundreds of dollars on plane tickets and hotel rooms; setting aside small amounts of money each month all year can make holiday shopping less of a budget-crunch…the list goes on.

Re-assessing

Looking forward is important, but so is looking back, especially when your finances change. Financial advisers recommend reviewing your credit report on a yearly or bi-annual basis; it’s also a good idea to re-asses your medical and vehicle insurance coverage. Another important thing to re-asses is your budget — at least on a yearly basis, in addition to whenever you experience a change in income or recurring expenses. Some of these won’t be anticipated, but most people know when they’ll be getting yearly performance assessments accompanied by raises. Not only does re-assessing all of these things on a regular basis keep you in tune with where you’re at, financially — it can save you a ton of money.

I think these are a few pretty good purposes for a proactive financial calendar. What are some things you currently put (or plan to put) on yours, and why?

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4 Tips for Planning for Financial Emergencies

We don’t always know when the unexpected will happen. That doesn’t mean we can’t plan for it though. In fact, one of the best things you can do for your finances is to look ahead and prepare for the inevitable emergency. Here are four tips you can use for your plan: 1. Start with Your […]

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We don’t always know when the unexpected will happen. That doesn’t mean we can’t plan for it though.

In fact, one of the best things you can do for your finances is to look ahead and prepare for the inevitable emergency. Here are four tips you can use for your plan:

1. Start with Your Rainy Day Fund

It’s old news, but the reality is that many Americans still don’t have the resources to handle a $500 emergency. That means you probably need to beef up your rainy day fund.

Get started even if you feel like you can’t set aside a ton. Every little bit helps. Set aside money each week that can be used for a rainy day.

This also includes paying attention to what’s happening with your expenses. While things do happen unexpectedly, the truth is that we often get clues that something is about to break down. The washing machine behaves erratically, or you notice something about the fridge. Once those signs appear, start setting money aside.

2. Plan for Routine Costs

You know that the oil needs to be changed in your car every so often. There are plenty of other maintenance milestones that come with owning a car too. You need to plan for these items. From home maintenance to the fact that your kids need to get clothes for school every year, there are routine costs in your life.

Make a plan to save a little bit each month for these routine costs. You can use a system that helps you prepare to meet these challenges when they arrive, preferably a system where savings are automated. That way, you won’t have to rely as heavily on your emergency fund or (worse) your credit cards.

3. Perform an Insurance Audit

When was the last time you checked your insurance coverage? Do you have the right amount? Will it cover your situation? Double-check your coverage.

Make sure your home is covered. What if you’ve recently bought some expensive items? Are they covered against loss? Look at your health insurance coverage. Will it be enough if you end up in the hospital? Is the deductible affordable? On the other hand, are you paying for too much coverage and not freeing enough money to save?

The right insurance coverage can go a long way toward helping you out when you’re in a pinch. And don’t forget the life insurance to cover your family, just in case you pass on.

4. Know What You Can Cut

Finally, make sure you know what you can cut from your budget in an emergency. Which items are the first to go? Which items, when cut, could result in immediate savings? This exercise can help you spring into action once a financial emergency strikes. It’s a good way to stay on top of things.

Plus, looking at your spending with a critical eye can help you now. If you take the time to review your spending and identify areas of waste, you can plug those leaks now. Divert the money toward other goals, like building a rainy day fund or preparing to buy a new appliance.

As you get into making these plans, you are far more likely to see good results and boost your ability to handle almost anything that can come up. How prepare are you? Would a $500 emergency cripple your finances? Or is it more like a small bump on the road?

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3 Ways to Stop Wasting Money on Children’s Toys

Here are a few suggestions to help you spend your toy dollars wisely.

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I’m going to make a confession here. My house is full of toys that don’t get played with very often. Between my five boys, a mountain of toys comes in every Christmas and birthday. While they do appreciate every toy when they open it, only a few are actually played with more than once or twice.

Over the years, I learned to be more savvy with my choices through experiences with toys that prove to be a good value for the money. Here are a few suggestions to help you spend your toy dollars wisely.

1. Look for Versatility

My youngest child is still playing with his oldest brother’s old Lego and wooden blocks. We’ve been adding to our collection over the years and now we have enough to build a city that takes up half the living room floor. The funny thing is, although we do have “real” Star Wars toys, my boys will still build their own Star Wars scenes out of blocks. I can remember doing the same thing with my Barbies.

In general, the less gimmicky a toy is, the more ways children can find to incorporate it into their play. Look for toys that rely on a child’s imagination rather than batteries. I don’t rule out toys based on popular characters like Star Wars or Spiderman altogether, but instead of say that web-blaster that lasts 3 minutes and then needs a pricey refill (we made that mistake once!), I’ll choose a simple action figure or vehicle.

2. Quality is Worth Paying For

Super cheap toys from the dollar store do have their place, but more often than not, they break and don’t work the way they are supposed to. Not only is it a waste, it can also be a safety risk.

We’ve also found that toys with lots of fiddly pieces and moving parts are usually destined to break early. These might be suitable for older children, but for younger children, simple toys that can stand up to rough play are best.

It’s better to buy fewer toys that are well made. Not only will your money be well spent, but your child will also become less frustrated and be able to enjoy his or her toys for a long time to come. I try to read a wide variety of reviews for toys I’m considering buying, since it’s hard to gauge the quality of a toy when it’s sitting on a box on a shelf.

3. Find Toys That Encourage Activity

My 9 and 7 year old have been playing non-stop with a set of Nerf swords since they got them last Christmas. They love taking them to the park and meeting up with their gang of friends and having glorious boy battles and adventures. While it’s a bit unnerving for us parents to watch, they are having a blast and getting some much needed exercise.

Children need a chance to run around and move their bodies. I’m a fairly lax mom when it comes to video games and television, but I’ll take every opportunity to get them outside and moving. Toys that encourage this are priceless. Even if you aren’t crazy about the idea of sword battles, balls, bikes, scooters and jump ropes are all timeless classics that will provide hours of play for your child.

On this note, I’d like to add that probably the best toy you can give your child is completely free: the great outdoors. We thought about buying a backyard play-set then quickly realized that our children would much rather go to the playground to meet up with their friends and make new ones.

Right now, the group of boys my sons play with have constructed a spaceship out of an old tree trunk and materials they’ve found in the park (some seashells, pine cones and acorns, bottle-caps and some bits of broken glass until it was confiscated). They make up wonderful story-lines and dash around the playground as they perform their missions.

Toys are wonderful for children but playing outside with friends and getting to exercise their bodies and imaginations is some of the best fun to be found. As a bonus it helps them develop their social skills and will get you out of the house to boot!

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Test your business idea with small steps: starting a quilt retreat

Uniontown, Washington, (population 300) has a strong base of arts, artisan and craft entrepreneurship. When I toured Uniontown, a woman spoke up who wants to start a quilt retreat, a place for people to come and quilt together. More than a local quilting bee, she’s imagining a full retreat space. She owns a historic home […]

Uniontown, Washington, (population 300) has a strong base of arts, artisan and craft entrepreneurship. When I toured Uniontown, a woman spoke up who wants to start a quilt retreat, a place for people to come and quilt together. More than a local quilting bee, she’s imagining a full retreat space. She owns a historic home that was the site of an old convent in the 1890s. There’s an outbuilding that would be a great retreat location.

The old way: Build it and expect them to come

The old way to get started would be to do all the costly renovations first. Then she can organize the first event all herself, and then market it to attract people. If no one or only a few people are ready to sign up, the failure is all on her. She didn’t market it well enough, she didn’t design it in the way that the market wanted or she just didn’t work hard enough.

New way: Idea Friendly

The Idea Friendly way is to build it together. Give as many people as possible a small but meaningful role in designing and creating the event, the space and the community. Here’s how to apply the Idea Friendly Method to her quilt retreat business idea.

Gather Your Crowd

Since she has connections with other quilters online, she could start with a virtual quilting event to gather people to her idea.

Could she start a virtual quilt project that gave more people a small but meaningful role?

Could she hold online sessions to gather people around the idea?

Each conversation with others will bring her new ideas and inspiration. It will draw more people to be part of the project.

If no one is interested, she’ll find out early, before all the expense and risk.

Build Connections

She could ask her newly-gathered crowd for ideas and for help finding the resources she needs.

Rather than buy enough quilting equipment for all the participants in future retreats, could she find connections to borrow equipment just for the first event?

Do some people want to play a part by helping with marketing, or travel arrangements?

Take Small Steps

Rather than wait to design and build the ultimate retreat space, she can start with these small virtual steps and community building. Then she can step up to hold a very small first test retreat, and keep building from there.

The Idea Friendly Method helps you test your ideas in tiny, temporary ways, often together with another business.

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Unlocking Community Potential: The Catalyst Approach for Change

Who do we envision ourselves becoming? The big framing question, “Who do we envision ourselves becoming?” was written in wide black marker on a large flip chart and placed at the front of the room for easy viewing. I introduced the question and gave some context. The ten local leaders stared blankly at it. The […]

Who do we envision ourselves becoming?

The big framing question, “Who do we envision ourselves becoming?” was written in wide black marker on a large flip chart and placed at the front of the room for easy viewing. I introduced the question and gave some context. The ten local leaders stared blankly at it. The organization these leaders represented had been in existence since 2006. That’s not a long time in community and economic development years. Yet long enough to experience considerable success, then slump into a slow decline. This group of local leaders had come to a fork in the road around their purpose as an organization. Now they were faced with uncovering who they would need to become. They needed to regain success for the future of their organization and the community.

In the past 18 years, this organization has raised $8 million locally for projects. It also leveraged an extra $50 million in outside investments. These local leaders have been a catalyst for both big and small changes in their community. But shifts in organizational leadership and the pandemic halted much of that success. Some people told them, “Regroup and keep doing what you’re doing because it worked great in the past!” However, this group chose to have a deep-dive conversation. They focused on uncovering who they see themselves becoming as they considered their role as a catalyst for creating a thriving community.

I use the word “catalyst” to define this organization because collectively, as a group of volunteer local leaders, they are accelerating change in their community by strategically overcoming barriers and reinvesting local funds into projects. This has led to a regeneration of the region.

Happily, by the end of our deep-dive conversation two hours later, this organization’s leadership had come to a consensus. They would become the local catalyst that invests today for a prosperous tomorrow. And they would achieve this through thoughtful investment strategies, high-leverage collaborations, and game-changing economic impacts for the whole region.

So, if you feel stuck in your community, keep reading. You’ll learn how a group of leaders from your community can use this catalyst approach to drive change. You can create a stronger, more connected, and resilient community.

Action 1: Broaden the vision by shifting your perspective to see the community’s big picture. Before you take any action, talk to various parts of the community. This will help you understand the local challenges and priorities.

Action 2: Build stronger connections by networking widely. Meet with local and regional leaders. Also, connect with organizations, residents, and other stakeholders. Engage in partnerships that can drive collaborative action.

Action 3: Develop skills in facilitating group discussions and meetings. Focus on creating inclusive environments where everyone feels heard and valued. Empower others to take an active role in community initiatives. Create opportunities for community members to share their ideas and take ownership of their ideas.

Action 4: Advocate and educate by using your newly found understanding, relationships, and influence. Take the community’s needs and interests to local governments, businesses, and others. Then, seek support, investments, and in-kind resources for community projects.

Action 5: Foster community innovation by supporting and investing in new approaches that address issues in creative ways. Celebrate the achievements and contributions of community members. Highlight successful initiatives to inspire more action.

Action 6: Listen and adapt based on the community’s feedback. Build resilient strategies to ensure your efforts are still relevant and effective. Community dynamics will shift. Staying flexible lets you respond well to new challenges and opportunities.

Action 7: Model great leadership by upholding high ethical standards, building trust, and showing genuine passion for the community’s well-being. Your integrity and enthusiasm can inspire others to join your efforts.

Over and over, I hear catalyst stories from big towns and small towns across South Dakota. They achieve localized success by implementing these collective actions. Join the ranks of community catalysts by gathering local doers to accelerate change in your community.

Young Americans Returning to Rural for More than Just Holiday Dinners

by Caroline Tremblay, The Daily Yonder August 5, 2024 Kansas: Elevate the work of younger people In rural Kansas, if you’re between the ages of 21 and 39ish, you might be considered a PowerUp —  but not just because of your age or location. A PowerUp is someone who is rural by choice. “The name […]

by Caroline Tremblay, The Daily Yonder
August 5, 2024

Kansas: Elevate the work of younger people

In rural Kansas, if you’re between the ages of 21 and 39ish, you might be considered a PowerUp —  but not just because of your age or location. A PowerUp is someone who is rural by choice.

“The name was created to illustrate the goal of empowering and moving younger people in rural communities into positions of leadership and influence,” Simone Elder said.

She is the PowerUp & Engagement Manager for the Kansas Sampler Foundation (KSF), which focuses on preserving and sustaining rural culture. “For years, returning to rural has gotten a bad rap — the perception that it’s less than or someone failed at their bigger endeavors elsewhere,” Elder said. But KSF has been working to shift that mindset.

Despite old narratives about small towns being places to escape, grassroots leaders and policymakers in rural communities nationwide are exploring ways to attract young people to these places and make them feel at home there.

For example, KSF is challenging residents to envision new possibilities by getting out on the back roads to experience overlooked assets in their hometowns. “Through the Big Kansas Road Trip, we help Kansans and other visitors from outside the state to see Kansas with new eyes,” Elder said.

After identifying PowerUps as some of the strongest assets available, KSF has emphasized cultivating rural influencers. “There’s tremendous value in having an older person visibly and intentionally elevate the work of younger people in rural,” Elder said.

Many PowerUps KSF has interviewed express wanting a sense of community, especially when it comes to raising kids, and a number have voiced entrepreneurial aspirations. Elder noted that while being rural by choice can mean loving where you live, it can sometimes feel lonely or frustrating. “It doesn’t mean you chose wrong,” she said. It’s about having a strong network of champions that can move forward together.

Nebraska: Community funds address top needs

In neighboring Nebraska, Megan Helberg has become one of those champions. Fifteen years ago, she was a “returner.” Similar to Kansas, Nebraska was having an issue telling its own story. “We used to kind of joke about how small we were,” Helberg said. “But we started to realize that people listen to what you say.”

Helberg, who decided to return despite that old narrative, is now a local rancher and secondary school teacher. She also sits on the Board of Directors for the Nebraska Community Foundation and serves as chairperson for the Calamus Area Community Fund.

She is one of many spreading the message that young Nebraskans should go explore but then bring their greatness back. “We need you here, we want you here, and you can make a great life here,” she said. In 2024, her school’s senior class had six graduates, all of whom are heading off to college. But 75% are committed to coming back to help with an existing business or start one of their own.

Creating the climate for those kinds of endeavors is where the community fund comes in, relying on unrestricted endowments, local bank accounts that accept donations from community members. Only the accumulated interest can be spent and all funds must be poured back into the community.

“It has been absolutely transformational,” Helberg said. In her area, the community fund has supported the renovation of neglected homes, making the properties available again to combat the housing crisis. Two new childcare centers have also opened with local support, as well as additional funding sources.

New Hampshire: Housing and childcare top barriers

While these grassroots efforts show the power of community when everyone joins in, there is also critical work happening at the policy level across the country. New Hampshire-based Stay Work Play is a non-profit making it easier for young people to call the Granite State home.

Part of its approach is non-partisan, issues-based advocacy informed by statewide data collection. Take, for instance, Stay Work Play’s Policy & Pints series, which gathered young locals at area breweries for focus groups to identify barriers to feeling welcome and secure in New Hampshire.

Unsurprisingly, housing and childcare were high on the list. “We’re not experts ourselves in housing or childcare, but we do work with partners across the state for whom this is their business,” said Will Stewart, executive director.

Stay Work Play is supporting greater investments in the state’s workforce housing fund and advocating for the ability to build smaller units on smaller lot sizes. “Things that young families need to get a toehold here in the state,” Stewart said.

In addition, he’s seen “a return to older models,” like employer-supported housing. Some companies are paying existing employees to house new ones until they’re able to secure stable living situations. A leading healthcare provider has also been exploring options to develop on land already under its ownership. “But they’re just one example of a company that’s looking for novel solutions,” Stewart said.

Beyond these logistical factors, social infrastructure is a key element that’s sometimes less talked about. In New Hampshire, young residents reported high satisfaction with “being able to get out of work and 30 minutes later be on the ski slopes or out hiking or on a paddleboard,” Stewart said. But making friends or finding a date can mean an ever-expanding search radius on social apps. The need for more “third places” where people can gather organically is strongly felt.

As small towns rise to the challenge, sharing a new narrative through effective branding and marketing is essential. Stewart points to Littleton, a rural New Hampshire town that has cultivated a buzzing downtown, food and drink scene, and outdoor recreation network.

For potential “returners” who may not have been back except for holiday dinners, “they probably don’t have an understanding of places, like Littleton, that have changed, and to use a scientific term, gotten cooler,” Stewart said. That’s an opportunity for a redefined rural place to find its people.

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Caroline Tremblay is a freelance writer who covers Radically Rural, an annual two-day summit on rural issues held in Keene, New Hampshire. This year’s event, featuring the people and organizations cited in this story, will take place September 25-26. For more information, and to register for this year’s summit, visit radicallyrural.org.

This article first appeared on The Daily Yonder and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

How one town stopped business owners and staff from parking in front of downtown businesses

Without making people mad! One common small town parking complaint is business staff taking up customer parking. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this brought up in discussing downtown businesses. Sometimes business owners or business employees park right in front of their business or along the Main Street. They might park out […]

Without making people mad!

One common small town parking complaint is business staff taking up customer parking. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this brought up in discussing downtown businesses.

Sometimes business owners or business employees park right in front of their business or along the Main Street. They might park out front for any number of reasons. Maybe they don’t have much room to park around back, or they’re just running into their business for a minute, or they need to carry some things in the front.

The problem is that this takes space away from customers. If all the business owners park in front, customers have to park further away, and some might use that as an excuse not to shop downtown.

I just heard the best idea for addressing this from Ivy Wells, Director of Economic and Community Development for Berlin, Maryland. It’s a solution that values the businesses and their people while keeping space open for customers and visitors.

The town reached out to a church near downtown to share their parking lot during the week for business owners and staff.

Each person working at downtown businesses received a numbered permit to display in their vehicle. The town sends someone to the designated church lot regularly to check the cars and record the permits they see, in essence collecting a list of who is using the lot. Then they enter those people for drawings for great local gifts. That’s a big secret: the gifts are things people really, really want to win.

Ivy said they may add valet service to make it even easier for owners and staff!

It’s a simple way to appreciate your business people and make room for more customers to come on in.

Header photo: Berlin, MD, downtown during the golden evening hour. Photo by Berlin MD Downtown district.

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Boost your co-working space with social hours

When I visited Caldwell, Kansas, the manager of the co-working site said they had filled their private offices, but struggled to attract day users. People who work from home like working from home. They don’t want a full time office, so they said they don’t want to use the coworking space. How can the coworking […]

When I visited Caldwell, Kansas, the manager of the co-working site said they had filled their private offices, but struggled to attract day users.

People who work from home like working from home. They don’t want a full time office, so they said they don’t want to use the coworking space.

How can the coworking space attract those work-from-home folks?

Promote the “co” part more than the “working” part.

At their best, co-working spaces are human spaces, Emergent Research has been saying for ten years now. Studies found that people who use co-working say it makes them less lonely. That’s the part to talk about, much more than the fact that you can work there.

Start by providing your work-from-home people with social hours and temporary events so they can connect and build community with each other. That will help their wellbeing right away. Plus, as long as they’re in the space, they’ll look around and found out more about the space and the services it offers.

Social hours also give you (the manager of the space) a chance to ask more about what they do, what they want and need. Do they want day time hangout events? Are they eager to be social? Do they really just need a copier? I don’t know, but they’ll tell you when you get them together to Build Connections. (That’s Idea Friendly, of course.)

Bonus: you can bring in business supporters like the chamber of commerce or advisors like the Small Business Development Center. When they meet each other in an informal setting, they may be more likely to connect.

Schedule a social hour, and set a goal of three people attending. Even three people is enough to start building community. Put the word out all the ways you know how: local Facebook groups, the chamber of commerce email newsletter, signs around town, and text some friends. Take a lot of pictures so you can use them to promote the next one.

Then try another one, maybe at a different time or a different day. Experiment. Take Small Steps. (That’s Idea Friendly, too.) Let me know how it goes.

Learn more

Find more practical steps you can take in SaveYour.Town’s video Remote Work Ready: Zoom Towns. Everything you’ll learn is do-able, affordable and scaled for small towns.

TREND 2025: Retail’s Big Split: what small town retailers can do now

Remember the Retail Apocalypse around 2017? In a media interview this week, I brought up that it was actually Retail’s Big Split, not an apocalypse, and it’s ongoing. The reporter asked me to explain, so here’s my update for today’s retail landscape.   “Everything gigantic in American life is about to get smaller or die.” […]Remember the Retail Apocalypse around 2017? In a media interview this week, I brought up that it was actually Retail’s Big Split, not an apocalypse, and it’s ongoing. The reporter asked me to explain, so here’s my update for today’s retail landscape. This combination business offers tiny spaces to retail pop-ups along with coffee and sweet treats. It offers plenty of meaningful, interesting purchases in this historic building in Potlatch, Idaho. Photo by Ana Blaisdell.   “Everything gigantic in American life is about to get smaller or die.” James Kunstler wrote in 2013. He said big box retailers were on the brink of scale implosion, and that “every element of economic reality is now poised to squash them.” It was a provocative stance for 2013, and I’ve been monitoring small retail trends at least as long. By 2017, it seemed like we went over the brink. Every week brought another story of big retail jobs lost, the shuttering of stores, and the financial losses at big retailers. You might think small retailers, especially small town retailers, don’t stand a chance. But that’s not true.  There are a lot of news stories that point to eCommerce as the cause of big in-person retail’s decline and also as its replacement. Today, you don’t run to the big box store for regular items like paper towels or laundry soap. You just tell your voice assistant to order it online. Even more automated, you’ve probably set up all kinds of regular items on recurring shipments that you don’t even think about. Smart refrigerators can already integrate with your voice assistant to make it easy for you to place more orders. Soon the fridge itself will notice you’re low on something and just reorder it for you. That means no chance for a big box store to capture an impulse purchase when you make a quick run to the store for those items. It’s worth noting that online sales today only amount to 16% of all retail sales, though that has doubled since I first wrote about the Big Split in 2017. Online sales aren’t the only cause for big retail’s decline or the only replacement. We’re also purchasing less for a variety of societal and cultural reasons. See also the Buy Nothing group you belong to on Facebook, underconsumption core, and thriving interest in sustainability, secondhand and vintage shops. But that still leaves a lot of purchases being made, just not as much at big boxes and not all online. Small town retail still brings meaning and charm to everyday purchases, like this store in Rosthern, Saskatchewan. Photo by Becky McCray. Where are the rest of sales going? Small retailers. While all boring retail purchases get automated, interesting retail purchases become small, sustainable, curated, handcrafted, local and integrated with technology. Items we care about, are interested in, and want to enjoy shopping for, will come from small local retailers. Author David Sedaris summed up this consumer feeling in an interview: “I’d rather go to an actual shop — preferably a small one — than to a harshly lit superstore, or, worse still, a website,” Sedaris said. “I don’t want to buy my books and my toilet paper and my clothing all under the same roof. I want beauty in my life. I want charm. I want contact with actual people. It is, for me, a large part of what makes life worth living.” The MasterCard SpendingPulse for Small Business reported on the “general consumer trend to shop small” for years. IBM Research predicted local retailers’ increasing use of technology. Smart local stores today do both digital and physical retail. The physical store is close to customers for immediate gratification. Local business owners tell us on the Survey of Rural Challenges that they add the product information and reviews of online, plus the data to be more personalized, like wishlists and recommendations. Local stores bring the product right to where the shopper can physically touch it. Classes and hands-on activities turn shopping into a memorable experience. That’s a layer of meaning that no big box store or online order can duplicate. The experience of visiting a converted barn, shopping dozens of local artisans, and even joining a hands-on class brings more meaning to every purchase from the Artists at the Dahmen Barn in Uniontown, Washington. Photo by Becky McCray What can local stores in small towns do today to capitalize on retail’s big split?  Use big retail’s own tools against them. Try these 7 big-retail tricks including automatic orders, delivery, and better recommendations. Add more technology to be more human. Use tablets to improve your service. Teach customers how to buy from you through Alexa and Siri. Offer experiences and items that can’t be bought online. Locally-produced items, personalization and special services give you an advantage. In store classes, demonstrations and hands-on crafts are memorable experiences. Be your best small town self. Use your 7 Strengths as a small town retailer and shore up these 7 Common Weaknesses of Local Shops.

Comprehensive Guide to Aadhaar Centers in Akola, Maharashtra

Comprehensive Guide to Aadhaar Centers in Akola, Maharashtra

If you’re residing in or near Akola, Maharashtra, and need Aadhaar services like enrollment or demographic updates, you’re in luck. Akola hosts a variety of centers dedicated to ensuring your Aadhaar-related tasks are completed smoothly. From urban areas to rural zones, there’s likely an Aadhaar center near you.

This guide lists all Aadhaar centers in Akola, their services, and tips for a hassle-free visit.

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Why Visit an Aadhaar Center?

Whether you’re updating your address, mobile number, or biometrics, or applying for a new Aadhaar card, these centers cater to every need. Equipped with trained staff, they ensure your details are updated accurately and promptly.

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List of Aadhaar Centers in Akola

Here’s a detailed table of the Aadhaar centers in Akola, including their locations and services:

Sl. No	Center Name	Address	Pincode
1	Aadhaar Demographic Update Center	Near Police Chouki, Lahan Umri, Akola	444005
2	Aadhaar Demographic Update Center	Bondarkhed Post, Dongargaon	444104
3	Aadhaar Demographic Update Center	At Khadki Bk, Akola	444004
4	CSC Aadhaar Enrollment/Update Center	Shri Krupa, 73 Dwarka Nagari, Near Sonone Hospital, Akola	444001
5	ADHAAR Demographic Update Center	Sabriya Chowk, Akot Faile, Akola	444003
6	Aadhar Demographic Update Center	Rautwadi, Near Kharote Jewellers	444001
7	Tajnapeth Post Office	Tajnapeth SO, Akola	444006
8	Gram Panchayat Karyalay, Borgaon Manju	At Grampanchayat Karyalay, Borgaon Manju	444102
9	Zilha Parishad School, Kaulkhed	Prabhag No. 19, Kaulkhed, Akola	444001
10	Gram Panchayat, Babhulgaon	Jaha Taluka Dist, Akola	444104

(For the complete list, refer to the end of this article.)

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Services Available at Aadhaar Centers

Most centers provide the following services:

• Enrollment: For residents who have not yet applied for Aadhaar.
• Demographic Updates: Changes to name, address, date of birth, or mobile number.
• Biometric Updates: Updates for fingerprints, iris scans, or photographs.
• Child Aadhaar Enrollment: For children below 5 years, requiring periodic updates as they grow.

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Real-Life Example: Making Aadhaar Updates Easy

Take Ramesh, a small business owner in Akola, who recently moved to a new address. He visited the Aadhaar Update Center near Sonone Hospital to update his address. Equipped with his address proof, he completed the process in less than an hour. Thanks to the efficient staff, Ramesh left the center with his update request receipt and received confirmation within a week.

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Tips for a Hassle-Free Visit

1. Carry Necessary Documents:
   For demographic updates, bring original copies of supporting documents like address or identity proofs. A list of accepted documents can be found on the UIDAI website.
2. Book an Appointment (if applicable):
   Some centers allow online appointment booking to avoid long queues.
3. Arrive Early:
   Centers can get crowded, especially during peak hours. Morning visits often result in faster service.
4. Check for Fees:
   While enrollment is free, updates may have nominal charges. Confirm fees at your chosen center.
5. Keep Your Mobile Active:
   Updates often require OTP verification, so ensure your registered mobile number is active.

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Additional Aadhaar Centers in Akola (Selected Locations)

• Muncipal Corporation, Malkapur: Tax Revenue Department, Akola – 444004
• Grampanchayat Karyalay, Kurankhed: Taluka Akola – 444102
• Primary Health Center, Palso Badhe: Palso, Akola – 444102
• BSNL Office CTO: BSNL Compound, Akola – 444001
• HDFC Bank, Sethi Heights: Opposite Zilla Parishad, Akola – 444001

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Final Thoughts

Having an updated Aadhaar card is crucial for availing various government schemes and services. With over 40 centers spread across Akola, there’s no reason to delay your Aadhaar-related tasks. Find the center nearest to you, follow the tips above, and ensure your Aadhaar information is always accurate.

For further details, visit the official Bhuvan Aadhaar Center Application.

Need assistance? Share your experience or ask questions in the comments below. Let’s make the Aadhaar process seamless for everyone!