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Break Free From Your Money Rut
Stuck in a Money Rut? Here’s How to Break Free Ever feel like your money is just sort of . . . going nowhere? It’s a feeling that can creep in when nothing’s really off track, finance-wise, but at the same time, you’re not really making progress toward any significant goals. You’re not saving or paying down debt. Your budget needs some adjustment. You know you could probably be... -
Financial Spring Cleaning
Get Organized with a Financial Spring Cleaning If you’re like me, you probably associate spring with the traditional “spring cleaning.” As the weather warms up, it just seems to make sense to open the windows, let in the fresh air, and spend a day or two tidying up and getting organized. But why limit spring cleaning to your home? I think spring is the perfect time to take a... -
Financial Frenemies
Financial Frenemies? There are some things that money simply can’t buy. You can’t purchase happiness or personal fulfillment. There’s no way to put a price tag on compassion or caring. The funds in your bank account can’t guarantee loving relationships or solid, caring friendships. But money can make relationships more complicated – especially if you’re surrounded by people who have less-than-healthy relationships with money. And whether you have a... -
What to do When Your APR Goes Up
I’ve written a great deal about credit cards over the years, from credit card security to disputing charges to what to look for in a credit card. I recently realized, though, that I haven’t said much about APRs (Annual Percentage Rates = interest rates) and what you can do when they go up. And chances are, at some point your APR will go up. Fortunately, though, credit card companies... -
When Frugal Goes Too Far
When “Frugal” Goes Too Far I love saving money. And while this probably isn’t news to anyone who reads this blog regularly, what may be news is that, when it comes to frugality, even I have my limits. Because while I’m all for mindful spending, bargain hunting, and so on, I do believe that there are some scenarios when insisting on short-terms savings can actually do more harm than... -
Save More Money This Year
Want to Save More Money this Year? Try Cutting Some of These Common Expenses A new year is a great time to set goals – especially financial goals like bulking up your savings account, paying down high-interest credit card debt, or finally building that all-important emergency fund to cover three months of living expenses. Whatever your money goals are for this year, one great way to help meet them... -
The DebtGuru’s Guide to Common Finance Terms
It’s my last post of the year. I can hardly believe another year is over! I thought I’d close the year with a quick and easy guide to some commonly used financial terms. If you’ve never been quite clear about the difference between a “hard credit inquiry” and a “soft credit inquiry” or you’ve always wondered exactly what an APR was, keep reading for the DebtGuru’s guide to common... -
Credit Cards and the Holidays
Credit Cards and the Holidays Plan on doing some holiday shopping this month? If so, there’s a good chance that you’ll be using a credit card for some or all of your holiday purchases. And, while there’s nothing wrong with responsible credit card use, the hectic holiday schedule of parties, shopping, and traveling can make even the most financially savvy folks a little scatterbrained, especially when it comes to... -
Funding Your Emergencies – Without an Emergency Fund
Funding Your Emergencies – Without an Emergency Fund Financial emergencies pop up when you least expect them, which is why so many financial advisors recommend setting aside three to six months of living expenses in an emergency fund. And while I agree that this is great advice, I also understand that a lot of folks simply don’t have a few thousand dollars sitting around in the bank in case... -
9 Great End-of-Year Money Tips
9 Great End-of-Year Money Tips The holiday season is just getting underway, and chances are good that things are about to get much busier around your house. But before you find yourself completely wrapped up in shopping, menu planning, and making travel arrangements, it’s a good idea to take a few moments to yourself and do an end-of-year financial review. It’s one great way to prepare for a new...