DebtGuru® In the Media

Five Frugal Mother’s Day Ideas

According to the National Retail Federation, the average American is expected to spend $150 on Mother’s Day gifts this year.  That’s a pretty big chunk of change – but when you factor in about $30-$40 for a flower arrangement and $75-$100 to take the family to Mother’s Day brunch at a local chain restaurant, you see how quickly those two traditional gifts can add up.  This year, instead of...

Five Smart Ways to Spend (and Save) Your Tax Return

According to the IRS, the 2010 tax refund for the average American was around $3,000.  That’s a pretty substantial chunk of money.  Chances are, you already know how much to expect back from Uncle Sam this year – and you probably have some idea of what you want to do with the money when it lands in your bank account.   It’s easy to get swept up in fantasies...

Five Simple Ways to Save Big

Here’s some good news for folks who want to trim their budgets this spring:  You don’t need a complete financial overhaul to start saving some serious cash.  In fact, by making a few (very) small changes in your lifestyle, you can save hundreds of dollars a year.  Small things like skipping your daily cup of fancy coffee or changing a light bulb can make a big difference.   If...

Contemplating a Purchase? This Flowchart Will Help.

Financial success and stability isn’t all about budgeting and saving – it’s also about knowing how (and when!) to spend wisely.  The thing that gets people in trouble is that we make purchases based on our emotions.  Instead of weighing the facts, considering the alternatives, and making a careful and informed decision, many of us simply break out our checkbooks (or debit cards, or even worse, our credit cards)...

The Benefits (and Risks) of “Swipe and Go” Cards

They’re the latest innovation in credit- and debit-card technology:  “Swipe and go” cards make it easier than ever to get in and out of the grocery store, the gas station, or anywhere else.  These new cards look like traditional cards – except that in addition to the traditional magnetic strip, swipe and go cards are also equipped with a small radio frequency identification (RFID) chip containing your credit card...

Five Common Tax Mistakes – and How to Avoid Them

It’s that time again. Income tax time, that is.  And whether you’re planning to file online or by mail; whether you’re going to a tax professional or taking the DIY approach, it’s important to be on the lookout for errors.  I’m not talking about big mistakes, either.  Even a small thing like forgetting to put the date on your tax return can spell IRS trouble. Here’s a list of...

Valentine’s Day for Under $100

I’m not a romance guru, and I’m not the first guy anybody would go to for dating advice.  But I am good at helping people save money and live within their means.  So, if you’re looking for a way to celebrate Valentine’s Day without getting yourself into debt or spending way too much, here are a few things you can do. According to a study by the Better Business...

How To Keep Your New Years Resolution To Get Out Of Debt

Simple tips that will help you get out of debt this year. 1) Track your spending for 30 days. 2) Evaluate your expenses and identify wants and needs. 3) Identify wants that you could do without. 4) Commit to saving the money from the wants and apply it to your debts. 5) Use the roll-up principle to quickly erase your debts.

How To Stay Within Your Holiday Budget

These tips will help you to set, and stay within a holiday budget. If you need additional help, sign-up for our free booklet: Debt-Free Holidays Handbook

Teach Your Kids About Money By Having Them Work

More than ever, we need to teach our children how to manage money. Giving your child a free allowance enforces the wrong perception of money, which can be disastrous when they reach adulthood. Here is a simple plan to teach them correct principles of the value of money.