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
Budgeting and Organization
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
11 essential documents for unmarried couples
For 32 years, Stieg Larsson and Eva Gabrielsson shared a life and a home. She says she even helped the celebrated Swedish author research his best-selling trilogy of novels that started with "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo." But because Larsson died in 2004 without a will, none of the profits … [Read more...] about 11 essential documents for unmarried couples
16 ways to cut expenses this year
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It's a new year, and that means it's time to get your financial house in order. No matter what mistakes you made last year, you get a do-over this year. The beginning of the year is a great time to make changes that will boost your bottom line going forward. But before you can make a plan to save … [Read more...] about 16 ways to cut expenses this year
12 ways to save more money this year
We hear all the time about how people cannot save any money anymore. The U.S. savings rate is abysmal. Whether it’s just by habit, convenience or lack of priorities, many people have a mindset that leads to wasting money. If you start consciously thinking about how you spend money … [Read more...] about 12 ways to save more money this year
Tools to organize your life in the new year
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With the new year upon us, we’re all thinking about resolutions. While losing weight and getting your finances in order are two popular choices, one resolution many of us make year after year is to get organized, once and for all. The truth is, no one ever gets organized once … [Read more...] about Tools to organize your life in the new year
21 ways to deal with your post-holiday financial hangover
Now that the holidays are over many people are starting the New Year saddled with an overwhelming financial hangover of bills and debt. How do you deal with it? While it might be easier to just make the minimum payments, that’s not a good long-term plan. If you don’t make a plan to reduce your debt, … [Read more...] about 21 ways to deal with your post-holiday financial hangover
How to use gift cards to save money
Gift cards and certificates are a favorite holiday or birthday gift for many people who want their loved ones to choose exactly the gift they want. According to a 2016 Barron's report, over $970 million in gift card cash went unused in 2015. Although the amount seems high, numbers have dropped … [Read more...] about How to use gift cards to save money
Save money using social media
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 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 to deals … [Read more...] about Save money using social media
Easy ways to save money on school supplies
It's the most exciting time of the year for bargain shoppers who have kids in school (or for anyone who likes cheap office supplies). For some people, school supply shopping is a big, fun, traditional spending spree. It was for my mom and me. But I’ve made this time of year into a big, fun, … [Read more...] about Easy ways to save money on school supplies
Beware of automatic renewals
I once got a phone call offering me a six-month subscription to a publication. I took them up on the offer. When I got a renewal notice six months later, I ignored it because I didn’t want to continue the subscription. Tip No. 1: You can no longer afford to ignore subscription notices for print … [Read more...] about Beware of automatic renewals
