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. While it’s never too late to teach young people to budget, you also can’t start too early. If you don’t want to be supporting … [Read more...] about How to teach your kids about budgets
Budgeting and Organization
10 ways to get your financial life in order
Are you spending too much and saving too little? Do you not even know where your money is going? If the answer is yes, it's time to get your financial life in order. Even if you're doing well financially, the beginning of the year is a good time to take a look at your savings, your spending … [Read more...] about 10 ways to get your financial life in order
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 finishes organizing their life; … [Read more...] about Tools to organize your life in the new year
10 ways to change bad spending habits and save money
Make this the year you make changes to your bad spending habits and have a positive impact on your household budget. It’s easier than you think. Check this list of tips for smart spending and pick a few money-saving strategies to try. Definitely do not adopt them all at once, as you’re bound to … [Read more...] about 10 ways to change bad spending habits and save money
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 … [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. Gift cards are high on the list of requested gifts, but many people forget to use them or never use the full amount. In addition, … [Read more...] about How to use gift cards to save money
How ‘mean moms’ teach their kids about money
How much do your kids know about money? I don’t mean, how much do they know about how to wheedle a dollar out of your wallet for the vending machine. I mean, how much do they know about how money is earned, saved, invested and spent? Do yourself and your children a favor and teach them about … [Read more...] about How ‘mean moms’ teach their kids about money
10 guilt-free ways to stop overspending on your kids and grandkids
Raise your hand if you overspend on your kids for birthdays and holidays because you want them to be happy. Do you spoil your grandkids because you don’t see them often and hope that presents will lead to warm feelings? Do you wish your mom would stop spending money on your kids, or that you could … [Read more...] about 10 guilt-free ways to stop overspending on your kids and grandkids
8 holiday spending mistakes to avoid if you don’t want to bust your budget
We have great intentions when we create our holiday shopping plan of attack. Maybe you're the type who hits the stores armed with flyers, coupons, apps and lists. Or maybe you’re the type to hit the online stores without a plan and marathon shop till you drop. Either way, you could be blowing your … [Read more...] about 8 holiday spending mistakes to avoid if you don’t want to bust your budget
Are ‘buy now, pay later’ alternatives to layaway a good idea?
If you're old enough to remember shopping before the Internet, you might remember the layaway desk at department stores. Shoppers who wanted to buy a big-ticket item, or do holiday shopping ahead of time, would put the goods "on layaway." The store would hold the items for them and the customer … [Read more...] about Are ‘buy now, pay later’ alternatives to layaway a good idea?
4 money talks to have with your family
Finances are a family affair, and there’s no better time than the present to take stock of your spending and saving. Call a family meeting and start working together to spend wisely, 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
12 ways to save more money, starting now
We hear all the time about how people cannot save any money anymore. The U.S. savings rate has traditionally been abysmal, though it surged to historic levels during the pandemic. In normal times, though, whether it’s by habit, convenience or lack of priorities, many people have a mindset that … [Read more...] about 12 ways to save more money, starting now
6 ways to save up to $500 this month
Are you independently wealthy, or could you use six ways to save $500 this month? You may be looking for ways to free up some cash to pay for college, afford your children's clothes, pay for holiday gifts or just be able to sock away more money for retirement. Recently, we revisited some of our … [Read more...] about 6 ways to save up to $500 this month
How to simplify your life (in 3 easy steps)
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You want to simplify your life, but don't know where or how to start. Maybe you’re thinking about retirement, or you’re looking to change jobs, or the return to work and school seems overwhelming again. Your journey to happiness starts now. When I think of the word “simplify” I am reminded of … [Read more...] about How to simplify your life (in 3 easy steps)
Do a no-spend challenge to see where you can save
If your spending has gotten out of control or you want to cut down on unnecessary expenses, it might be time to embark on a no-spend challenge. Going an entire month without spending beyond necessities can be an eye-opening experience. We think any budget-minded individual should try a no-spend … [Read more...] about Do a no-spend challenge to see where you can save
