How Much Does Little League Cost?

Little League is a non-profit organization that organizes local youth baseball and softball leagues in the United States.

This league is known to instill many values in a child, including work ethic, team building, and respect for peers, coaches, and umpires.

“Little League ”dugout”” (CC BY 2.0) by  Simon_sees

How much does little league baseball cost?

On average, little league is going to cost anywhere from $30 to as much as $180+ per player for a basic local parks and recreation league.  The costs are going to depend on your geographical location,  the age of the child, and the level of competition.  Fees for travel baseball, however, can be much more, often as high as $1,000 to $3,000+, plus all of the necessary travel fees.

One forum member on this YellowBullet.com forum thread stated that they paid $80 for their child, while another member stated that they had paid $148.

Pearland Little League, for instance, charges $140 per player and a small $10 processing fee, according to their official website.

On this CafeMom.com forum thread, a few forum members stated that they paid anywhere from nothing to as much as $225 to register their child for a team.

FilterJoe.com did a great job breaking down the costs of various leagues for children.  According to his breakdown of a recreational league, by the time you factor in the fees, clothes, fundraisers, equipment and miscellaneous fees, you’re looking at $150 to $2,500+.  His family, in particular, spent $500 on the baseball season, from the ages of eight to 10.

Little league overview

The fees mentioned above will usually include the uniform, including the hat, jersey, belt, and socks.  At the end of the season, they may hand out a trophy to the winning team or for those who participated.  There may also be medals or certificates.

The average little league team will have 10 to 12 players.

Little league is open to players who are between the ages of 4 and 18.

Little league has several divisions, which are based on the gender and age.  These divisions include tee-ball, minor leagues, 9-10-year-olds, little league intermediate, junior league, senior league and big league.  Tee-ball is designed for both boys and girls who are between the ages of 4 and 5.  The minor leagues are for those between the ages of 7-11, while the 9-10-year-old league is for players who are established and want to experience tournament competition.  Little League Intermediate is a newer division that was formed in 2013 and was designed to be played on a field with a 50-foot pitching distance and 70-foot base paths.  Junior leagues are for boys and girls between the ages of 13-14, while the senior league is for boys and girls between 14 and 16.  Lastly, the big league is for both genders who are between 16 and 18.

What are the extra costs?

Most little leagues will only include the uniforms, and the player will be responsible for their baseball equipment such as the bats, bag, shoes, batting helmet, balls and glove.  You may want extra parts of the uniform as well such as a second pair of socks or cleats.  Depending on the type of equipment you purchase, plan on spending at least $150 to get started.  However, the costs can be a lot higher if the premium equipment is purchased.

While optional, lessons can be an additional cost if you choose to enroll your child in it.

If a team enters a tournament, additional tournament fees can apply.  Depending on the tournament, these fees can cost more than $100 for the entry as well as the travel fees.

A small processing fee may apply when you register online or in person.  This fee should usually be under $25 and will depend on the park through which your child plays.

Tips to know:

Talk with your local director to see what is going to be included in the league.  What you are going to find is that leagues across the United States are going to vary in pricing and equipment.

Keep your eyes peeled for registration dates.  Most leagues will start registration months ahead of time and may even give discounts for people who register before a specified date.

Little league divisions will follow the official baseball rules as defined by Major League Baseball.

A regular game is six innings long and a game is considered official after four innings.  In intermediate leagues (13-18 years old), the game is seven innings.

Bats that are made from a material other than wood must be approved by the league.  Generally, the maximum length is 33 inches and the diameter cannot exceed 2 1/4 inches.

If a team were to advance to the World Series, all accommodations would be paid for by Little League Baseball.

How can I save money?

Some leagues will give discounts to families who enroll more than one child at a time.

There are some high-level little league teams that may do fundraisers to help pay for equipment, tournaments, travel, and team gear.

Before your child takes part in little league, consider signing them up for a basic youth league at a local park.  You can see if the child really loves the game enough to pay for little league as well as invest in all of the equipment.

Some leagues will offer a discount to those who volunteer.

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How Much Does Amscot Charge to Cash a Check?

Amscot is a financial institution that offers many services, including the ability to cash checks of all kinds for any amount.

Known for some of the lowest fees on the market, Amscot claims that most of their fees are well under the limits that are set by the state.

How much does it cost to cash a check at Amscot?

The fees to cash a check at Amscot is going to depend on the type of check and the amount.  On average, the fees for Amscot to cash a check can range anywhere from as little as $2 to as much as $14.95, or if they charge a certain percentage, the percentages can range from 1 to 9.9%.  Regardless of what check you’re cashing, there will be a $3 minimum charge.

To give you a scenario, a $700 payroll check will cost $13.65, while a $300 payroll check will cost $7.60.  With most payroll checks, you are going to pay about 2%.

Cashing a check at Amscot overview

Amscot cashes the following types of checks: personal, computer, handwritten, insurance, cashier’s, government, money order, traveler’s, out-of-state, and international checks.  They are able to cash checks in any amounts.  If you own a business and have a check made out to your company, you can still use Amscot’s check cashing service.

Most Amscot locations are open on Saturdays and Sundays as well as being open very early and late on weekdays.  Some are even open 24 hours.

In order for Amscot to cash a check, you must bring in a valid photo I.D such as a driver’s license, military ID and/or state-issued identification card.

What are the extra costs?

If any photocopies are needed, a $0.25 fee can apply.

An envelope can cost $0.10.

Faxes, if needed, can start at $3.

Tips to know:

To save yourself time, call up your local Amscot to make sure that they will be able to cash the check that you have.  There is a chance there may be more than one location in your area, so call around to find the best service.

Other services

Cash Advance.  Sometimes referred to as a Payday loan, this service will be able to give you money that you need to pay a particular bill if your paycheck is not going to come in time for you to pay it.  Although this may cost a few dollars, it will be better than damaging your credit on incurring late fees from the billing company.  This type of loan will usually be given by you writing and post-dating a check, which allows you to wait until your check is deposited but also allows Amscot to avoid having to run a credit check.  These can be taken for up to $500.

Money Order.  If you need a money order, most places will charge you a small percentage or one flat fee.  At Amscot, however, money orders are always free of charge.  However, if you lose a money order and need it replaced, there will be a replacement fee, usually around $12.

Pre-paid Credit Card.  If you have poor credit and are unable to get approved for a credit card through your bank, you can purchase a pre-paid one from Amscot.  This allows you to avoid carrying cash as well as pay bills online or over the phone.

Pre-paid Wireless.  Amscot offers a pre-paid cell phone service for those who do not want to sign a long-term contract.  Once you purchase or acquire your phone, you can simply pay for a certain number of minutes or amount of data.  Once you run out, simply call or visit Amscot to add more.

Bill Payment.  Most local utility companies will allow you to pay your bill right at your local Amscot location.  Instead of having to send the payment in, you can go pay it in person.  Each Amscot location will have a list of utility companies that they will accept.

Other Services.  If you need any other small services, Amscot offers things such as ATMs; notary services such as faxing and photocopying; postal services such as providing stamps, envelopes, and boxes as well as actually being able to send them; and, in some locations, bus passes.

How can I save money?

Most of the time, check cashing places are going to be a lot more than using your local bank.  If possible, open up a checking or savings account at your local bank to avoid any fees when cashing a check.

If you are positive that you want to use a check cashing service, try your best to get at least three quotes from other places in your area.  Even though they claim they are under state limits, it does not hurt to see if other financial institutions are able to beat their rate.

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How Much Does Ace Cash Express Cost to Cash Personal Checks?

ACE Cash Express is a financial institution that offers short- and long-term payday loans that does not require a bank account, allowing customers to get their money without any sort of hassle.

Aside from payday loans, they also cash checks for a small fee.

With their sophisticated check cashing system, they are able to cash virtually any type of check on the market.

“Three Cheques in a week” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by liewcf

How much does it cost to cash a check at Ace Cash Express?

The cost to cash a check at ACE Cash Express is going to depend on the type of check of check that you have.  On average, the costs to cash a personal check can range anywhere from 2% to as much as 6%.  For example, to cash a government check, they will charge a 2% fee.  If the check is computer generated, they will charge a 2 1/2% fee, and lastly, if it is a personal check or money order, they will take 6%.  For example, a $1,000 government check will cost you $30, while a $1,000 personal check could cost $60.

According to this BankRate.com article, they state that ACE Cash Express charges 3% of the check amount.  This fee may differ from one location to the next.

At a location in Orlando, Florida, a member on Yelp stated they were charged 2 percent for a payroll check, but they would charge more for a handwritten check.

Ace Cash Express check cashing overview

ACE is able to cash the following types of checks: payroll, personal, checks made payable to a company, cashiers checks, income tax refunds, government checks, insurance settlements, and money orders.

When they cash your check, they can either load it onto a prepaid debit card or just give you cash.  This debit card can be refilled when you get your next check cashed, or you can simply destroy it when you are finished if it is a one-time thing.

Before your check is cashed, they will verify the check using their sophisticated system to make sure that the funds are available.  They will also ask you for your legal picture identification and require your signature on the back of the check.

According to the website, the approval process is easy, no credit check is necessary and no appointment is needed.

What are the extra costs?

If the money is loaded onto a debit card, some prepaid fees may apply in addition to the percentage that is already taken out of the check.  According to some, if you do use the debit card, a dollar fee is added to every purchase.

Tips to know:

You will need a photo I.D. in order to cash your check.

While they tend to cash most checks, they will not be able to work with some circumstances.  To play it safe, call up your nearest location to see if they will be able to help you with your particular check.

Other services

Installment Loans.  An installment loan can be taken for anywhere from $200 to $2,000.  This loan will give you an extended time to pay it back, which means your individual payments will be lower.  This type of loan is available immediately without a long waiting period to be approved; this money can also be given to you as cash, as a debit card, or transferred to a bank account of your choice.  It also comes with a 48- or 72-hour guarantee, meaning that if you realize you do not need the loan within this period, you can take back the money with no penalty.

Title Loan.  If you own a car, you can use its title as collateral to get a loan.  However, this means that if you do not pay back the loan, ACE will be legally allowed to take your car.

Payday Loan.  If you need to just get by until payday, this type of loan can be taken out for a short period of time for up to $1000.  All you need is proof of employment to show that you have a paycheck coming soon.

Pre-Paid Debit Card.  If you have poor credit and are having a hard time getting a debit or credit card, ACE can get you one that is prepaid.  This way, you will not have to carry cash around but will have access to your money when you need it.  This card will be accepted anywhere that a Visa is accepted.

Auto Insurance.  ACE has auto insurance available at competitive rates with easier approval.

How can I save money?

Payday loan institutions tend to charge higher fees that usually do not make a lot of sense.  If possible, try to open up a savings or checking account at your local bank and cash your checks for free.

If you are set on using a service like this to cash your check, try to get rates from other companies like Walmart and other banks.  Most, if not all, should be able to give you a quote over the phone.

There are other establishments that are able to cash certain types of checks, even places such as a local convenience store.  Check all your options before deciding.

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How Much Does FasTrak Cost?

FasTrak is an electronic system that is used solely in the state of California — a system used throughout the state on toll roads, bridges, express lanes, and the California Freeway system.

Like other electronic systems in other states, the system is designed to eliminate the need to stop at any toll booths, freeing up traffic congestion and is designed for people who have to travel on these toll roads or cross over these bridges on a regular or even daily basis.

It is also a much cheaper system to run since it is not required that the state pays an employee to sit in the booth and take money.  This allows the state to keep the cost of a toll road as low as possible.

“California” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Dougtone

How much does FasTrak cost?

With FasTrak, there is a $2 minimum fee that is charged to the card every month for the transponder; however, if you pay at least $25 in tolls, the fee will be waived.  The price of FasTrak will depend on what roads you are going to take throughout the month.  Every time you pass through a FasTrak toll road, that particular fee will be applied to your car, which is noted below.

Depending on the road, tolls paid with FasTrak can range from $0.55 to as much as $5.75.  The costs of the toll will depend on the toll road, the time of the day, the method of payment, and how far you traveled on that road.  For example, the toll rates on the 73 Toll Road can cost $3.95 to $5.75.  However, on the 133, 241 and 261 Toll Roads, the rates can range from $1.30 to $3.  Refer to the chart below for toll rates.

So for example, if you were to travel the 133 Toll Road every day, you could spend anywhere from $39 to $90 for a 30-day period.

When opening a new account, a cash account will require a $30 minimum balance, while a credit card account will require a prepayment of $45.

NOTE:  These are rates for FasTrak users for a 2-axle vehicle.  This information is accurate as of 1/28/2014.

FasTrak overview

To sign up for FasTrak, you will first need to sign up for an account online in your local area, which can be in the Greater Los Angeles area, the Bay Area or the metropolitan San Diego area.  You can either do this via online with a credit card, by calling 511, by mail or at a local designated walk-in center. Once you sign up, a transponder will arrive in the mail that will have to be mounted to the window to work properly.  Before every trip begins, you will program FasTrak to indicate how many people are going to be traveling through the car.  Whenever the car enters a FasTrak lane, the transponder will collect the data, charging your account.

FasTrak can be used in Orange County, Los Angeles County, Northern California and the San Diego area.

Peak times are going to depend on the toll road.  Peak times will be Monday through Friday in the early morning going northbound (7-9 a.m.) and late afternoon going southbound (4-7 p.m.).  Off-peak times will be outside these time windows and on weekends.

The transponder must be used in a car that is registered on the account; if the toll road is not able to read the transponder, it will take a picture of the license plate, sending the bill in the mail that way.

What are the extra costs?

A monthly $2 fee is assess per transponder but waived for every $25 in tolls incurred each month.

Requesting an extra printed statement will incur a $2 charge.

Returned checks or insufficient funds can incur a $15 to $25 charge.  Declined credit can assess a $5 charge.

A collections fee can range from $20 to $75.

If the transponder is stolen or lost, it can cost $35 to $50 to replace it.

A FasTrak violation will amount to $25, plus the cost of the toll.  If you fail to respond to the notice, then the toll amount, plus a $70 penalty will be applied.

Tips to know:

Those who pay in cash will be required to bring their balance back to $45 when it reaches $15.

How can I save money?

AAA, Costco and Albertsons offer discounts when you buy a FasTrak there.  For example, at Costco, you can get $30 worth of tolls for $25.

Qualifying residents can receive a special discount through the Equity Plan if you meet certain income requirements.  Going this route will require proof eligibility.

FasTrak is going to be a lot cheaper than paying cash each time, and it will also save you time and hassle.  If you plan on using the tolls more than five to 10 times a month, it is ideal to get a transponder.

A carpool loyalty program is available for those who carpool on the I-110 or I-10.

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How Much Do Abyssinian Cats Cost?

The Abyssinian cat, referred to as an Aby by many cat lovers, is known for its “ticked” coat, which is an unusual pattern that we are not used to seeing on a cat.

Introduced in 1858 in Ethiopia, the Abyssinian was originally brought home with British soldiers shortly after they were deployed in Africa.  The shape of the face and ears are the trademarks of the Abyssinian breed, and many people say that the body resembles the Sphinx.

“Abyssinian Cat” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by  Le Ciel Azuré

How much do Abyssinian cats cost?

With most breeders, an Abyssinian cat will depend on the breeder, age, color, quality and geographical location.  If you are looking for an “average” Aby kitten, the costs can range from $300 to $550; however, if you want a show-quality Abyssinian cat, the costs can be as high as $1,000 to $1,500.  Usually, the rarer the color, the more the cat is going to cost.

For instance, Aksum Abyssinians, a breeder we found online, offered rare TICA approved colors for $1,500 each.

Blueriver Abys, another breeder, also offered show-quality breeds ranging anywhere from $1,000 to as much as $1,500.

What is going to be included in the adoption fee?

Most reputable breeders, when you adopt, should include up-to-date vaccinations, any medical records, paperwork (CFA and/or TICA) indicating whether it is a purebred, and a travel crate if it is going to be shipped via air.

Most kittens will be available for adoption at 12 to 16 weeks.

What are the extra costs?

If the cat has to be shipped, additional shipping fees may apply.  Be prepared to spend upwards of $200 to $350 to have a cat shipped via air or ground.

Of course, a cat will need vaccinations, vet checkups, toys, food and litter in the future.  Plan on budgeting at least $40 to $60 per month to take care of your cat.  Many cats will also require a cat bed, a scratching post, and perhaps a climbing post if you never owned a cat before.

While optional, consider purchasing pet insurance, which will either be a monthly or yearly fee.  This will cover medical expenses if your cat were to become ill or injured.

Breeders will often ask for a deposit in order to hold a kitten.  This deposit, just like any other deposit, will be applied to your adoption once you follow through.

Tips to know:

An Abyssinian has a close-lying, soft coat that comes in a variety of colors.  While some coat colors are common, there are some that are extremely rare.  Using that breeder link noted above, they note that they have some coat colors that are known to be in less than 75 cats in the world.  Most coats will have a band of three to four colors that are dispersed across their coat.  Today, championship colors include tawny, cinnamon, blue, fawn and silver, with cinnamon being the most popular option.  Other recognized coat colors are lilac, red, chocolate and tortoiseshell and rarer options can include black and ruddy.

The Abyssinian body will have long, slender legs with a wedge-shaped head, and their eyes are large and wide with a tuft of hair at the tips.  Common eye colors are green or hazel.

They are known to be affectionate, but at the same time, they demand a lot of attention.  Compared to most cat breeds, they tend to become very attached and tend to be less noisy.  It is also claimed that they are the most intelligent cat breed available.

The average lifespan of an Abyssinian cat is 12 to 15 years.

Due to the popularity of this breed, the waiting lists may be long.  If you want to adopt one, make sure that you get on a waiting list as soon as possible.

This breed is ideal for owners who want a loving and affectionate cat that is filled with energy.  This breed is generally suited for families and those with active lifestyles.

Always make sure that the breeder includes some sort of health guarantee to protect your investment.

Most reputable breeders may ask you to fill out a questionnaire before allowing you to adopt one and may even want to investigate your living situation.

How can I save money?

Older cats typically cost up to 50 percent less than a kitten.  Consider checking with your local shelters to see if they have any, or if possible, add your name to a waiting list so that they can call you when one does arrive.  Even if you can’t find this particular breed, you may be able to find one that closely resembles it.

If you are just looking for a pet do not plan to place your cat in any type of show, then be satisfied with the cheaper non-champion breeds.

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How Much Does it Cost to Unlock a Car Door?

Unlocking a car door may be necessary if you lock your keys in your car and are unable to find a way in.

Walking out to a locked car, unfortunately, will more than likely mean you are going to have to call a locksmith to get your door opened again if you do not have a spare key nearby or at all.

“Tesla Model S Key Fob” (CC BY 2.0) by  Au Kirk

How much does a locksmith cost to unlock a car door?

The cost of unlocking a car door is going to depend on the locksmith, the time of the day, the type of lock, where you live and the complexity of the issue.  Most of the time, a locksmith is going charge $55 to $75 to show up on the scene; however, to open the door, it should only cost an additional $10 to $20, bringing the total a pinch less than $100.  If the call is made after midnight, the costs could double.  The same could be said if your key was broken and a new one needed to be made as this could increase the costs as well.  Lastly, if you lost the key and your car uses keyless technology, then the costs could reach as high as $250.

In most cases, if you do have roadside assistance as part of your insurance policy or a premium credit card, it may be free or heavily discounted.  For example, AAA, according to their policy, a locksmith for Classic members will cover up to $50, while Premium members are covered up to $150.

What are the extra costs?

Most companies will only travel within a certain radius; if they have to go outside of it, additional fees may apply.

A premium may be charged if the call is made after certain hours.  For example, one company would charge double if the call was made after midnight.

In the case of a car lockout where the key breaks off, the broken car key may need to be extracted from inside the car.  This could add another $50 to $100 to the total.

If there is any damage done to the car, such as scratches from the lockpick, the locksmith will not cover this.  They may make you sign something stating this in advance.

Tips to know

While most mobile locksmiths are going to have a minimum fee, some may be able to work with you if they only have to travel a few miles.  The closer the car is, the less you should have to pay.

If you are near a gas station, see if you can borrow a slim jim.  This device will allow you to get into the car by placing the slim metal piece through the window and frame to hit the unlock button.

When choosing a locksmith, always make sure that he or she is licensed.  Locksmiths, when they arrive on the scene, should be able to prove their license with a wallet-sized card.

A local dealer may be able to offer a temporary key that may unlock the car.

If you are stuck and have a smartphone handy, look up some videos and tips online.  There are many different tricks you can try before resorting to calling a locksmith.

How can I save money?

WonderHowTo.com shows you how you can unlock your car with some simple tools.

Insurance companies, such as AAA, offer roadside assistance as part of its insurance package.  If you pay a monthly fee for OnStar, this also may apply.  Check with them to see what they may charge if you were to lock your keys in the car before even calling a locksmith.  According to their policy, they can unlock a car up to three times a year.

If you are stuck out of your car, try to call at least three locksmiths or tow truck companies before choosing one.  If you don’t know where to start, either call 411 or check out Google Reviews or Yelp.

Depending on which city you are stuck in, some police stations may be able to unlock the car for you.

If you have a spare set at home and someone is able to access them, ask a friend or family member to pick you up.  If you do this, you could always pay them half the cost of what you would pay the locksmith or tow company.

Most car companies give you a spare key when you purchase a new car.  This key is usually only capable of unlocking the door and not starting the ignition.  Make sure that you keep this key in a safe place so that you are not stuck in this position in the first place.

To prevent this from happening again, consider buying a magnetic box that attaches to the underside of your car.  Inside, you can leave a spare key in the case the situation arises again.

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How Much Does Competitive Cheerleading Cost?

With high school cheerleading, you will usually do one or two competitions a year, and the rest of the time will just be cheering on the sidelines or during halftime of a game.  Also, high school cheer is mostly motions and maybe some stunts and tumbling.

If you do not want to be on the high school cheer team, however, then the next viable option is to join a competitive cheer league.

This will type of league will offer you more opportunities to compete with other squads, do more challenging stunts, build your self-esteem and meet new people.

“Sussex Tornados Cheerleaders” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by  wallygrom

How much does competitive cheerleading cost?

To start competitive cheerleading, plan on paying registration fees, a uniform, shoes and practice clothes.  On top of these startup fees, a monthly fee, depending on your level, will have to be budgeted.  Aside from the start up fees, plan on spending at least $75 to $200 per month to cheer in a competitive setting.   The yearly costs for competitive cheerleading, on average, can range from $2,000 to as much as $4,300; this would include everything necessary to participate with the club.

As for the startup costs, most registration fees will cost $50 to $100, while the uniform, shoes and practice clothes can cost anywhere from $300 to $500.  The costs of these clothes will depend on the requirement, brand, and the type of clothing needed.  As a safe budget, most cheerleaders who start to competitive cheer spend at least $500 in their first month alone.  Overall, the costs are going to greatly depend on how much the team is going to travel for the year and the level of competition in which they participate.

According to one mom on Yahoo! Answers, she paid a $100 monthly fee, an $850 competition fee per year and $500 for the uniform.   Other fees included makeup, bows, yearly banquets, parties, and traveling costs.  She stated that the average competitive cheer member should be prepared to spend at least $3,000 or more a year.

Dynasty Athletic All-Stars, according to this PDF, is compromised of 12 months payments of $159, totaling $1,908.  This would include all of the fees relating to choreography, coaching, music, camp and a one-week tumbling class.  Aside from this annual fee, a uniform fee of $575 is also payable in two payment.

According to this CincyMagazine.com article, parents usually pay between $2,000 and $3,000 in annual tuition and competition fees for an all-star program.  This doesn’t include the costs of the uniforms, which could add hundreds more.

Competitive cheerleading overview

Competitive cheerleading is a regulated sport that is compromised of many age groups.

With the exception of travel, competitive cheer is going to be a lot like high school cheerleading.  Competitive cheer coaches will look for cheerleaders who can master dancing, cheering, certain motions, jumps, pyramids, stunts and tumbling.  Depending on the team, a practice can be held multiple times a week.

Any competition that is held is generally overlooked by the NACCC and/or USASF.

What are the extra costs?

Competitive cheerleading outfits can cost anywhere from $300 to $500.

Anytime the cheer team enters a competition, a competition fee will have to be paid, which can vary anywhere from $100 to as much as $1,000 or more.

Hotels, airline tickets and other accommodations, if the competition is far away, should be budgeted.  The price will depend on how far you will need to travel.

A practice outfit can cost up to $100 when you factor in the shirt, bra, and shorts.

Shoes can cost an average of $50 to $110.

Music and choreography can cost upwards of $250.

Bows and make-up can cost upwards of $125.

Some may have a one-time tryout fee that can cost upwards of $75.

Tips to know

If your child is eve semi-interested in competitive cheer, have them watch videos online to see what competitions look like.  A simple search for “USASF” can yield some good videos.

Before joining a team, try to find out how many members they have as well as how many competitions they attend in a year.  You are going to want to find a team that does not keep you too busy or does not go to enough tournaments.  If you are just starting out, you may want to find a team that does less than most teams.

Even if you find a team, it does not mean you will be able to join.  Many leagues have tryouts that are only held during certain times during the year.

Some leagues may force you to sign a contract to commit for a year.

Always try to find out how far they often travel for competitions.  Some places try to keep the competitions within a few hours, while others will not have any boundaries.

It is very helpful to have a background of gymnastics and dance or both.  This will greatly aid in your ability for competitive cheerleading.

How can I save money?

With anything in life, try your hardest to talk with at least three leagues.  While you do not want to focus on the price, try to learn about what they do, what their philosophies are and again, how many competitions in which they participate.

If the league allows it, try to purchase your uniforms for half the cost.

Competitive cheer is always going to be a lot more than cheering at a high school.  If you are on a tight budget, you may want to consider having your child simply through the high school program.

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How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Boat Slip?

A boat slip, similar to a campsite, is where your boat will be stored if you are not using it; however, if you plan on living in your boat, this can be done here as well because many marinas offer full hookups and amenities.

There are many boat slips, again, just like a campsite, that offer a variety of amenities, including a store, restaurant, and gas station right on their property so that you can stay there comfortably and get anything that you need.  A boat slip also makes boating easier since your boat will be in the water and ready to go instead of having to put it on the boat landing and remove it every single time you go out.

“Ariel at Slip” (CC BY 2.0) by  Sail Ariel

How much does it cost to rent a boat slip?

The cost of a boat slip will vary on the geographical location, the size of the boat, facilities, amenities, if the slip is uncovered or covered, and the marina that is offering the boat slip.  On average, for a boat between 30 and 40 feet, you should be prepared to spend anywhere from $150 to as much as $950 per month.  Again, since there are so many variables, it is extremely hard to pinpoint an exact price.  To budget, plan on spending at least $10 per foot per month.

We researched various geographical locations throughout the United States and included the quotes we found in our table below:

According to some forum members on this CruisersForum.com forum thread, the prices greatly varied anywhere from $200 to as much as $1,000.  For instance, one couple who lives on their sailboat paid $963 a month, while another boat owner, who does not live on his boat, pays $200 for a 24-foot slip.

Baywood Marina, located in New Jersey, offers slips that range from $1,200 to as much as $4,400 for the year, according to their official website.  For example, a boat 15 to 19 feet long will cost $1,200 for the year, while a boat 33 to 36 feet long can cost $4,175.

Renting a boat slip overview

Standard boat slips should include a 30-amp (or greater) electric hookup and water.  Premium slips may even include a cable television hookup and free WiFi.

All boat slips will have plenty of places for you to tie and secure your boat.  However, you will have to use your own rope to do so.

Some marinas may also allow up to one haul and launch a year, depending on the contract you sign.

Aside from the slip, many marinas offer a laundromat, free showers, a restroom, heated pools, lockers and pump out services.  Again, the amenities will vary.

What are the extra costs?

If you want to live on your boat, some marinas may tack on additional fees ranging from $20 to $50.  This fee is assessed to make up for the electricity use, parking and/or cable TV.  If you do not plan on living on the boat, the costs may be up to 40 percent cheaper.

Because some marinas have gated security, you may need to buy additional parking passes for other guests.  Some marinas may charge an overnight fee for guests as well.

Month-t0-month renters will find that the summer months will be up to five times higher than the winter months.

In the world of boat slips, the geographical location is going to be a huge factor.  A slip in Miami is going to cost a lot more than one in Minnesota.

Most marinas often offer additional services such as cleaning, offshore storage, maintenance and so forth.  While these services may be an optional expense, it’s something to budget for.

Tips to know

Closely examine the amenities that the marina has to offer.  Do they offer cable?  Internet? Laundry?  Write down what you want and make sure the marina offers it.  The amenities that you need will depend on the frequency of your boating.

To search for boat slips in the United States, USABoatSlips.com has thousands of listings to browse through.

If you are new to docking a boat, it may take some getting used to.  Pulling your boat into a boat slip without running into the sides can be tricky and takes some practice.  Consider asking someone at the boat dock or a friend who has more experience to help you out the first few times.

How can I save money?

The longer you sign your contract, the more you should be able to save.  Most marinas in the industry make most boaters sign a one-year contract.

Do not go with the cheapest when comparing slips because like a campground, you are going to get what you pay for.  However, if you never stay on your boat and all you need to a place to simply tie it up between uses, a boat slip with fewer options will be just fine.

Usually, the fewer amenities that you have, the less you are probably going to pay.

Try to talk with as many marinas as possible to gather a handful of quotes.  When you decide on one, do not be afraid to negotiate with them.

In many cases, you can purchase a boat slip if it were to make sense.  Like buying a home, weigh the pros and cons of renting or buying.

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How Much Does a Sam’s Club Membership Cost?

Sam’s Club is an American chain of warehouse clubs that is owned and operated by Wal-Mart stores.

Founded in 1983, the warehouse caters to more than 47 million members.  In a warehouse setting, you can buy items in bulk.

While it may seem more expensive up front, the items will also last you a lot longer.  In order to get these savings, however, you will need to pay a yearly membership fee.

“Sam’s Club exterior” (CC BY 2.0) by  Walmart Corporate

How much does a Sam’s Club membership cost?

A Sam’s Club membership will cost $45 a year for the basic membership.  For the business membership, the cost is also $45 a year, and the Sam’s Club Plus membership is $100 a year.

To get up-to-date information and details about each type of membership, refer to .  Also, check this page as the club does offer discounts if you renew or even sign up for the first time.

Sam’s Club membership overview

Sam’s Club offers three types of memberships:  the Savings card, Business card and Plus card.  The Plus card, being the highest tier, offers early shopping hours, an extra value drug list, optical plus member benefits, $10 for every $500 spent, an extra year of coverage with the purchase of a protection service plan and all of the inclusions of the basic savings card.  The business card, which is the same price as a savings card, allows you up to add up to eight cards and also offers early shopping hours.

All memberships include a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, access to the fuel station, free health screenings, the hearing aid center, access to tech experts and the photo department.

Tips to know:

In late 2013, Sam’s Club raised their rates for the first time since 2006.

The Sam’s Club Membership has a 100% satisfaction guarantee.  If, for any reason, you’re not satisfied with the card, they will refund for any reason.

How can I save money?

Oftentimes, Sam’s Club will have special offers that include free gifts if you sign up for a membership either in-store or via a third-party website.  For example, in the past on , they offered a free chicken, batteries and a few other items when you bought a basic membership.  There were also times when they threw in free gift cards. With that being said, keep your eyes peeled for future promotions on the daily deal website or even by searching.

If you have never shopped here before, they do offer a one-day pass to let you try the store out before you commit.

LifeHacker.com has a few tips on how you can shop at Sam’s Club for next to nothing.

Look into their credit card to save up to 2 percent on purchases.

If you have a friend or an outside family member, consider sharing a membership.

You don’t need an active membership to purchase alcohol, prescription drugs or see a doctor of optometry.

Sam’s Club will offer an open house throughout the year when non-members are able to shop.

You can shop at SamsClub.com without a membership; however, you will be charged a 10 percent surcharge when making your purchase.

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How Much Does a Cleveland Botanical Garden Wedding Cost?

The Cleveland Botanical Garden in Northeast Ohio, which was founded in 1930, provides an ideal setting for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and wedding photography.

With its ten landscaped acres of gardens, crystalline glasshouses, and exquisite gardens, the location offers an array of indoor as well as outdoor wedding venues and rehearsal dinners.

“Cleveland Botanical Garden” (CC BY 2.0) by  EDrost88

How much does a Cleveland Botanical Garden wedding cost?

The ceremony site fee depends on the time year, the day of the week and the number of guests attending.  Refer to the costs we had researched online for the receptions at the venues offered on site.  If an evening ceremony is held in conjunction with a reception in any venue, a $500 ceremony fee will be charged.  As for the plate fee, the estimates are said to be around $125 a head average.

NOTE:  These are just estimates and are not guaranteed.  These estimates came from a bride who was kind enough to share her costs via email.  Use this as a budget only.

Cleveland.com notes the cost of the Sunken Garden ranges from $1,900 to $2,900 based on the number of guests, whereas the Geis Terrace starts at $4,000.

On this forum thread at Wedding Bee, one member said they were quoted about $6,000 to get a room outside, plus $125 a plate as average.

Cleveland Botanical Garden wedding overview

The “ceremony only” fee includes two hours at the garden, whereas the rental fee includes the outdoor ceremony space, an indoor location in case it rains, the use of the bridal room, chairs, guest parking and staff to help coordinate the wedding.  The evening ceremonies will begin at 6 p.m. with the reception following immediately after.  Reception fee includes up to six hours and may end as late at 12:00 a.m.

An outdoor ceremony can be scheduled for either 10:30 a.m. or 2 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday or 1 p.m. on Sundays.  The Gis Terrace, available for evening weddings only, is available between 6 p.m. and midnight.  The rain venue is in Clark Hall.

Venue options

Clark Hall – The largest indoor wedding venue, Clark Hall offers a spectacular view out of a two-story wall of windows.

Woodland Hall – This is a private reception room that provides a very elegant feel as well as a beautiful view of the Japanese Garden and the sunset.

Geis Terrace – With a large reflective pool complete with water lilies and a fountain, The Geis Terrace provides a gorgeous architectural space for receptions and ceremonies.

Japanese Garden – The Japanese Garden is an outdoor setting that can help you appreciate the beauty of nature.  Complete with well-placed bushes and flowers surrounding a stream and waterfall, this venue is also an amazing place for pictures.

Sunken Garden – This venue is a very private that can be in bloom in many different colors and seasons, especially in the spring.  The area goes slightly downhill, thus the name, which means that all of your guests will have a spectacular view of your wedding ceremony.

Mary Ann Sears Swetland Garden – This space is meant for small ceremonies, usually around 35 people and is considered to be a very private and intimate setting.

Allee – Instead of the private garden atmosphere, this venue offers a ceremony and reception on the lawn next to many of the gardens.  There is also a center walk for brides rather than just walking through the grass.

Restorative Terrace – With the constant sounds of running water and birds singing, this space offers a very romantic and peaceful setting for you and your guests.

Garden Room – This indoor venue has a wonderful view of many areas of the garden and is the backup room for weddings that are scheduled outdoors and get rained out.

Conway Ellipse – Natural skylight complements this indoor ceremony space that has a two-story window behind where the bride and groom stand.  This makes for great pictures and a peaceful setting.

Japanese Overlook Garden – This is a cozy hall that does not fit quite as many people but also provides a good indoor venue in case of rain.

Garden Cafe – An open space with a lot of natural sunlight and a great view, the garden cafe is a more subtle space with less decor.  This means that you can decorate with your own style.

What are the extra costs?

The ceremony rate only includes two hours at the garden.  Every additional hour can cost $300 an hour.

Events with more than 300 guests are billed at 15% service charge on the total facility rental fee.

Valet parking is provided for evening events at an additional fee.

Tips to know:

The Cleveland Botanical Garden offers weddings from April to mid-October.

Couples are advised to meet with one of the event planners from the Cleveland Botanical Garden to arrange for a site tour and discuss wedding ceremony and reception details.

How can I save money?

Consider scheduling your wedding event during the nonpeak days, specifically Sunday through Friday when the Garden provides lower rates.  This can be said about reserving any wedding venue.

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