It's Wedding Season along the Crystal Coast, NC
Smart Ways to Use Wedding Gift Money to Fund Your Future
Your wedding day marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life, bringing with it many joys and responsibilities. One of the most valuable gifts you may receive is monetary contributions from friends and family. These funds can significantly impact your future if used wisely. By strategically allocating your wedding gift money, you can build a solid foundation for a secure and prosperous life together. Sally Hook of Freelancing Resource, who plans weddings in New Bern and the Crystal Coast, NC offers these helpful suggestions.
Prioritize Healthcare Savings
Establishing a healthcare expense fund is a wise use of wedding gift money, preparing you for unexpected medical emergencies. This fund covers routine check-ups, dental care, and potential emergencies, ensuring medical costs don't derail your financial goals. By prioritizing health-related expenditures, you safeguard your financial stability, alleviate stress, and provide peace of mind as you embark on your new life together. This proactive approach ensures you're prepared for any health-related financial challenges.
Invest in Education
Allocating your wedding gift money towards an online degree can be a transformative step in elevating your career prospects while balancing work and study with ease. This resource can help you achieve a rewarding career path, such as earning an online psychology degree, which focuses on understanding human behavior and supporting those in need. Whatever degree program you choose, this investment enhances your professional qualifications while fostering personal growth. Online programs also provide the flexibility to maintain your current job, ensuring a stable income as you work toward a brighter future.
Build a Financial Cushion
Creating a nest egg with your wedding gift money is wise. It acts as a financial cushion for unexpected expenses or future investments, ensuring you can handle unforeseen circumstances without disrupting your financial plans. Consistently adding to this fund helps achieve long-term financial stability. By setting aside money in a secure savings account or low-risk investment, your funds grow over time, providing a reliable financial safety net for the future.
Fund Your Adventures
If you're deciding how to use some of your wedding money, investing in a beautiful honeymoon is a perfect way to celebrate your new life together. Consider visiting Cape Lookout National Seashore, where you can enjoy peaceful shelling along the beach and even catch a glimpse of the majestic wild horses that roam freely. The stunning views and natural beauty of this coastal destination will offer you both a serene, unforgettable experience. It’s a meaningful way to relax after the excitement of your wedding and create lasting memories as a newlywed couple.
Upgrade Home Energy Efficiency
Investing in home energy upgrades with your wedding gift money leads to significant long-term savings. Upgrading systems like energy-efficient windows, solar panels, or a smart thermostat reduces utility bills and decreases your environmental footprint. These improvements enhance your home's comfort and value while promoting a sustainable lifestyle. By making your home more energy-efficient, you invest in your financial future and the planet's well-being, creating a cost-effective and eco-friendly living environment.
Put it Toward Vehicle Maintenance
Creating a vehicle maintenance fund with your wedding gift money ensures reliable transportation. Regular maintenance is crucial for safety and longevity, and a dedicated fund covers routine services, repairs, and unexpected breakdowns without financial stress. Keeping your vehicle in good condition extends its lifespan and ensures dependable transportation for work, travel, and daily activities. Allocating funds for vehicle maintenance proactively manages an essential asset, contributing to your overall financial security.
Secure Your Legacy
Using your wedding gift money to create a will or trust secures your future responsibly. Estate planning ensures assets are distributed according to your wishes, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones. A will or trust helps avoid legal complications and ensures your family is taken care of in the event of your passing. Investing in professional estate planning services protects your financial legacy and provides clear instructions for asset management and distribution.
Your wedding gift money presents an incredible opportunity to lay a strong foundation for your future. By strategically allocating these funds, you can address essential needs such as healthcare, education, savings, travel, etc.. Each of these investments contributes to a secure, fulfilling, and prosperous life together. Making thoughtful financial decisions now can lead to long-term stability and happiness, allowing you to build a bright and successful future.
Keepin' Warm In Winter on the Crystal Coast, NC
Suppose you do not live on the Crystal Coast in North Carolina. In that case, you probably don't think about coming to "the beach" during the winter as both the water and air temperatures are cooler than what most people who don't live by the water wish to experience. So we do the same thing you do - sit by our fireplaces, catch up on some books, do our taxes, and prepare a drink of the season. Painkillers are wonderful in the warmer months, however, in the Winter we salute the season with cinnamon and nutmeg spices in a Gingerbread Mule!
Please know that this author and website are NOT affiliated with Pusser's in any way. We are not employees, stockholders, agents, representatives...nothing. Except we enjoy bringing their product to our lips. That said, please enjoy your Winter with the recipe below and we'll see you back in Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, and Beaufort, NC commencing Thursday, March 20, 2025 the first day of Spring to walk the street of our quaint towns, experiencing the wild horses on Shackleford Banks and viewing the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Enjoy and Please Drink Responsibly!
Toast the Season with a Gingerbread Mule!
INGREDIENTS
1 oz. Pusser's Rum (Spiced is Best)
1/2 oz. Vanilla Syrup
2 Dashes of Angostura Bitters
3 oz. Ginger Beer
Top with Cinnamon & Nutmeg
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Combine Pusser's Rum, vanilla syrup,
and Angostura bitters in a glass with ice.
2. Pour ginger beer over top and stir well.
3. Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg on top and enjoy!
Feeling No Pain from the BVI to the Crystal Coast via the Painkiller Adult Beverage
A delightful blend of Pusser's Rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut, served on the rocks with an orange slice and a cherry, then topped off with freshly grated nutmeg.
Ingredients
2-ounces (60 ml) Pusser’s Rum
4-ounces (120 ml) pineapple juice
1-ounce (30 ml) orange juice
1-ounce (30 ml) cream of coconut
Freshly grated nutmeg
Instructions to create the perfect Painkiller
Add liquid ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously.
Pour into a big glass or goblet filled with ice. Grate fresh nutmeg on top.
Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
Be careful–this is a smooth and sneaky drink. Enjoy!
The Pusser’s Painkiller® Story
A version of the classic Pusser’s Painkiller® had its start at the six-seat Soggy Dollar Bar on a long stretch of white sand beach at White Bay on the island of Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. There’s no dock, so the usual way in is to swim. Of course, your dollars get wet, hence the name “Soggy Dollar Bar.”
It was owned by an English lady, Daphne Henderson. Boaters, including Pusser’s founder, Charles Tobias, came from distant places to sample her version of the Painkiller for which she’d become locally famous. The fact that Tobias had gone to The Admiralty Board of the Royal Navy and gained permission to commercialize the rum in 1979 made him curious about this deliciously concocted recipe made with Pusser’s Rum.
Please drink responsibly!
Welcome to The Crystal Coast
Welcome to the Crystal Coast
in The Southern Outer Banks, Carteret County, North Carolina
Welcome to the Crystal Coast, where the mere thought of sand between your toes becomes a blissful reality. After eagerly anticipating the warmth of the sun and envisioning the mesmerizing sunrise and sunset over the ocean, the time to plan your trip is finally at hand. In our monthly blog series, we're here to offer you invaluable tips for making the most of your visit.
With numerous North Carolina coastal towns to choose from along the Crystal Coast, you'll find yourself immersed in southern hospitality during your stay. This month, our spotlight is on Atlantic Beach.
Atlantic Beach boasts a diverse selection of accommodations, ranging from hotels to Airbnb options. Don't miss the opportunity to explore Fort Macon, steeped in Civil War history, and the North Carolina Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores. Whether you're admiring the impressive fortifications or discovering new aquatic wonders at the aquarium, there's always something captivating to experience.
Of course, no coastal getaway would be complete without indulging in the delightful shopping and dining options. And who can resist the allure of ice cream? Locals affectionately refer to Atlantic Beach as "AB," and there's a spot called Scoopin Yummies waiting to satisfy your sweet cravings. After all, ice cream holds a special place in our coastal hearts and deserves its moment in the spotlight.
To ensure you have an unforgettable stay, we've compiled a list of recommended accommodations, and dining spots. (for more on Atlantic Beach CLICK HERE).
We're here to enhance your experience every step of the way. If there's anything specific you'd like to see in future blogs, please don't hesitate to email us at
LODGING
- Seahawks Inn Villas - Dog Friendly Phone: 252-726-4146
- Crystal Coast Ocean Front - Dog Friendly Phone: 252-247-4155
- For Hilton Points Redemption: DoubleTree - Dog Friendly Phone: 252-240-1155
DINNER
- Family Dinner: Amos Mosquitoes (Featured on Diners Drive-In’s And Dives) Phone: 252-725-3374
- Full Moon Oyster Bar (Deck with Water View) Phone: 252-222-7667
LUNCH and BREAKFAST
- Bite At The Box Phone: 252-773-0203
- 4 Corners Diner (Located at the entrance to the AB Circle!) Phone: 252-240-8855
- Scoopin Yummies Phone: 252-389-9897
Your Hostess: Sand Dollar