Social media is a part of our daily lives. We are distracted at work by posts from friends, breaking news Tweets and colorful pictures waiting to be pinned to Pinterest boards. But we can use the same media to save money. Here are some ideas: Early birds hear the tweet. You can gain early access … [Read more...] about Save money using social media
Budgeting and Organization
How to set (and stick to) a vacation budget
For Kathy Lopez, it’s all about the spreadsheet. When she started planning a future trip to Europe with her friends, she put every expense into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to determine how much the month-long adventure would cost. “We’re going to save a lot of money and planning time on the … [Read more...] about How to set (and stick to) a vacation budget
5 quick ways to save money right now
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who took a pay cut or lost a job as the result of the recent crisis, then you’re probably looking for ways to save money ASAP. From your cellphone to your grocery bill, here’s a look at strategies for tightening your belt right now. Negotiate … [Read more...] about 5 quick ways to save money right now
What to do if you can’t pay your bills
There’s no doubt that for many people have suffered a big toll on their finances. Whether you’re down an income (or two) in your household, or waiting on unemployment or small business help, you might be stressing about what to do with the stack of bills that is piling up or on the way. On the … [Read more...] about What to do if you can’t pay your bills
10 ways to change your spending habits and save money now
Over the past year or so, I’ve made several changes to my spending habits that have significantly impacted my household budget -- in a good way. I think they can do the same for yours. Give some of them a try. Definitely do not try them all at once -- change happens little by … [Read more...] about 10 ways to change your spending habits and save money now
How to mail packages from home
Making the journey to mail a letter or package is not always the easiest (or most enjoyable) task, especially given the long lines and often questionable customer service. Whether you're sending a care package or lots of wedding invitations, everything can be done right from your kitchen table -- … [Read more...] about How to mail packages from home
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
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
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 teach your children to budget
We’ve all heard the horror stories: young people who graduate from college, move back home with their parents, make very little money and mishandle the cash they do earn. As many as 40 percent of millennials still receive financial help from their parents, according to 2015 statistics … [Read more...] about How to teach your children to budget
Free printable budget sheets to help you manage your money
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Looking for free printable budget sheets to get your finances into shape ASAP? We have a ton of worksheets to help you create a budget you'll actually stick to! You'll be able to instantly download our free printable budget sheets and create a budget binder of your own. In the next few minutes … [Read more...] about Free printable budget sheets to help you manage your money
