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
Budgeting and Organization
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
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
