The year our daughter Jane was born, my husband and I almost forgot to claim her on our taxes. She was a newborn, our accountant hadn't seen me pregnant and the topic never came up during our conversations. Luckily, we remembered, and Jane had a Social Security number, so we were able to claim the … [Read more...] about 8 tax credits for parents with dependent children
Money
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)
6 things you’re wasting money on — and how to stop
Are you wasting your money? Too many of us get to the end of the month, look at our dwindling bank account balances and wonder where all the money went. If you were to go back and really look at where all that money is going, you might find that you're wasting it rather than using is … [Read more...] about 6 things you’re wasting money on — and how to stop
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
7 ways to save without downsizing your lifestyle
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When you think about cutting your budget, do you immediately think about everything you’re going to need to sacrifice? It's not very motivating to focus on what you're going to lose, rather than how much you can gain by getting out of debt or saving more money toward your big goals. Look on the … [Read more...] about 7 ways to save without downsizing your lifestyle
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
How to find a reliable, honest home contractor
For most homeowners, the hardest part of any home renovation project isn’t the work itself, it’s finding a competent and reliable contractor to do the job. Installing kitchen cabinets, knocking down a wall or tiling the bathroom is simple compared with the struggle of hiring a quality contractor who … [Read more...] about How to find a reliable, honest home contractor
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
How frugal are you? 25 things frugal people do
Many people choose to be frugal for different reasons. Maybe they were raised to live a frugal life, so it’s second nature to them. Perhaps they are consciously frugal and are saving to pay cash for a house, or they have a child about to head off to college. Maybe they simply don’t see any other … [Read more...] about How frugal are you? 25 things frugal people do
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 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
How we got out of debt by coloring
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
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
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
7 tips to save money while shopping at Target
I have a love-hate relationship with Target. Just about everyone knows the “Target effect” where somehow you end up buying way more than you intend if you don’t adhere to a strict shopping budget. Before you know it you’ve easily racked up $100 bill or more. Still, I do love being able to find … [Read more...] about 7 tips to save money while shopping at Target
