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)
Budgeting and Organization
Expert advice on teaching kids about money
Do you remember your dad asking: “Do you think money grows on trees?” or “Do you think I’m made of money?” Well, yes, as a matter of fact, we kind of did. If anything, that attitude is multiplied many times by today’s kids.The time to teach our children about money is when they’re young, so when … [Read more...] about Expert advice on teaching kids about money
Expert advice on digging your way out of debt
When Miranda Marquit started writing about personal finance six years ago, she “was maxed out on my credit cards,” she admits. No more. And the publisher of Planting Money Seeds has a few words of hard-earned advice for anyone who has dug themselves into a debt hole so big they think they’ll never … [Read more...] about Expert advice on digging your way out of debt
Downsize your clutter and build wealth
Are you ready to downsize and save money? I contacted downsizing expert, Monica Friel, owner of Chaos to Order, to help use tackle the clutter situation. How much do you have to get rid of Ms. Friel's recommendation is to start by understanding how much you have to get rid of. If you are … [Read more...] about Downsize your clutter and build wealth
Tools to organize your life in the new year
Some of the links in this post are special! When you make a purchase through our links, we might earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
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 and for all; … [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
Automate your digital life with IFTTT
IFTTT is a web and smartphone app that is all about automating small tasks to save you time in your day-to-day life. IFTTT stands for “If This Then That,” and works just like it sounds. By creating a trigger and a follow-up action with one of the 367 supported services, you can automate everything … [Read more...] about Automate your digital life with IFTTT
14 ways to cut expenses this year
Some of the links in this post are special! When you make a purchase through our links, we might earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
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 14 ways to cut expenses this year
10 ways to get your financial life in order
With the new year comes the desire to do better. Any time is a good time to improve our financial practices, and the sooner you start, the better results you'll get. If you're spending too much and saving too little, or if you don't even know where your money is going, this is a good time to … [Read more...] about 10 ways to get your financial life in order
10 ways to change your spending habits and save money
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 little. Tackle … [Read more...] about 10 ways to change your spending habits and save money
Quick and easy budgeting on paper
Happy New Year! If you've been thinking about preparing and living on a budget this year following is how to get started immediately. With a little tracking (that can lead to some self-awareness) you can be on your way to achieving your financial goals in no time. Pen and paper v. Software and … [Read more...] about Quick and easy budgeting on paper
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
