This guest post is by Heidi Ifland Nash Our story is not unique in how it begins. We were very “normal”. We were the typical American couple, no budget, consuming all of our income each month, and using credit cards to buy and pay for the things we didn’t save up for. We weren’t … [Read more...] about How we got out of debt by coloring
Budgeting and Organization
Tools to organize your life in the new year
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase using the links in this post.
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
How to make a budget spreadsheet: Step-by-step guide for first-timers
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 How to make a budget spreadsheet: Step-by-step guide for first-timers
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 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
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. Peruse 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 … [Read more...] about 10 ways to change bad spending habits and save money
How to teach your kids about budgets
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 53 percent of millennials still receive financial help from their parents, according to 2018 statistics from a … [Read more...] about How to teach your kids about budgets
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
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
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 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
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
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)
