When any crisis or natural disaster occurs, the scammers immediately come out of the woodwork. The current situation is no different. There is bogus advice on Facebook, ads for products that claim (falsely) to detect, cure or treat coronavirus and even thieves going door-to-door claiming to be … [Read more...] about How to avoid scams during a crisis
Money
How frugal are you? 25 things frugal people do
Many people choose to be frugal for different reasons. Maybe they were raised to live a frugal life, so it’s second nature to them. Perhaps they are consciously frugal and are saving to pay cash for a house, or they have a child about to head off to college. Maybe they simply don’t see any other … [Read more...] about How frugal are you? 25 things frugal people do
Senior shopping days and hours nationwide
A quick trip to the store to pick a few groceries is not what it used to be, during these chaotic times -- especially for those vulnerable in our community. Because of the potential for exposure to other shoppers, the elderly, pregnant women or anyone with a compromised immune system need … [Read more...] about Senior shopping days and hours nationwide
How to simplify your life (in three easy steps)
When I think of the word “simplify” I am reminded of Henry David Thoreau’s famous directive to “Simplify, Simplify!” Thoreau carried his belief in simplifying to what most of us would consider an extreme in today’s world. He chose to live alone in a cabin in the woods, off the grid (not that there … [Read more...] about How to simplify your life (in three easy steps)
Building your first budget: using a spreadsheet to conquer your spending
Budgeting used to involve a paper, pen, and hours of work hunched over receipts and bank statements, but those days are long gone. Thanks to modern spreadsheet programs, you can make a do-it-yourself budget in just a few minutes. Whether you are new to personal finance management or a long-time … [Read more...] about Building your first budget: using a spreadsheet to conquer your spending
Is your college kid coming home? Here’s help
With such a volatile situation worldwide, your college student may have just received the news that their school is closing for the foreseeable future – which means they need to come home, now. While some universities have just extended Spring Break by several weeks, some are moving classes … [Read more...] about Is your college kid coming home? Here’s help
How to wipe out debt — this time, for good
Many people believe getting out of debt is all about math: spending less than you earn and paying the difference to your debt until it's gone. Jackie Beck, author of The Debt Myth, says that it takes more than just math to get out of debt. It's about changing your money habits and the way you view … [Read more...] about How to wipe out debt — this time, for good
5 steps to confronting debt and getting ahead
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This post is by Greg Johnson of Club Thrifty. Debt sucks. It sucks up your paycheck. It sucks up your energy. Most important, it sucks up your options. In our new book, Zero Down Your Debt, my wife Holly and I explain how our debt was holding us back. It was destroying the power of our … [Read more...] about 5 steps to confronting debt and getting ahead
How to find a reliable, honest home contractor
For most homeowners, the hardest part of any home renovation project isn’t the work itself, it’s finding a competent and reliable contractor to do the job. Installing kitchen cabinets, knocking down a wall or tiling the bathroom is simple compared with the struggle of hiring a quality contractor who … [Read more...] about How to find a reliable, honest home contractor
Smart advice about starting your own business
You’re finally ready to take the plunge and start your company. But starting a business takes more than picking a name and putting up a Facebook page. Before you sell (or code) your first widget, you need a proper business structure. At both the federal and state government level, … [Read more...] about Smart advice about starting your own business
4 money talks to have with your family
Finances are a family affair, and there’s no better time than the New Year to take stock of your spending and saving. Call a family meeting and start working together to spend wiser, save more and work toward financial goals together. Here are some conversation starters. What are we paying … [Read more...] about 4 money talks to have with your family
How to decide whether to buy or lease your next car, or go car-free
I remember my first car, a 1969 Chevelle Malibu. It was blue with a black hardtop, three-speed on the column with vinyl bench seats – and a lot of problems under the hood. But I loved my “Blue Goose.” It was my first big purchase, my first “payment plan” to the Bank of Father, and my shout-out to … [Read more...] about How to decide whether to buy or lease your next car, or go car-free
