It’s time to look at real ways to save money during trying times. During the Great Depression, people employed 1930s frugality and simple-living tricks to save money and survive the lean years. We can take a page from their book and do it again.Here are 10 Depression Era hacks and frugal living … [Read more...] about 10 Depression-era hacks and frugal living ideas to save money now
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How a debt challenge with friends helped me pay off $3,000 in 2 months
I was in the ring fighting my opponent: debt.I had the idea of putting together a debt challenge. I thought, "What if I turned paying off debt into a game, and whoever paid off the most debt would win?" I wasn’t sure if anyone would sign up, but I decided to write a post about the contest … [Read more...] about How a debt challenge with friends helped me pay off $3,000 in 2 months
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
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
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
Legitimate work-at-home-jobs you can do now
More and more companies are open to the idea of remote work these days. What kind of jobs are these? They vary widely, from professional to trade positions.What they have in common is that they can be done from home — anywhere, really. And you can generally signal your availability to do them … [Read more...] about Legitimate work-at-home-jobs you can do now
Want to get rich? The secret is living below your means
Many experts will tell you that to get rich, you should live below your means. That is, spend less money than you earn. This advice holds true whether your income is $25,000, $50,000, $100,000, or $1 million a year. Sounds simple, right? Of course, it is easier to live below your means if … [Read more...] about Want to get rich? The secret is living below your means
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
The ultimate guide to saving money by cutting cable
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When was the last time you looked at your cable or satellite TV bill? When I looked at my bill a few years back, I was disgusted to be paying $70 each month to sit on the couch and zone out.Cheaper cable alternatives give you the same entertainment for a lot less money, and you may even discover … [Read more...] about The ultimate guide to saving money by cutting cable
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 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
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.While it’s never too late to teach young people to budget, you also can’t start too early. If you don’t … [Read more...] about How to teach your children to budget
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?
