Saving Money

9 Secrets Your Credit Card Is Hiding

Maybe you’ve had your credit card since 1975. Or maybe you’ve just waded into the credit waters this year. Either way, you might be surprised to learn a thing or two that creditors don’t clearly disclose. This isn’t to say your credit card company is deceptive or intentionally shielding some awful truth. It could be that they assume all cardholders already understand all the fine print. Technology continues to...

Trying to Save Money? Don’t Pay for These 9 Things

When it comes to personal finances, there are some things that you’ll likely always have to pay for: food, housing, transportation, and so on. But if you’re like most people, you’re probably paying for one or two things that shouldn’t cost you money at all. Trying to bulk up your savings or reduce your spending? Is it time to revisit your household’s budget? You can start by kicking these...

Have Debt? You Can Still Live Your Life

 Zero-Based Budgeting To Erase Debt and Build Savings

Ever heard of zero-based budgeting? Admittedly, when talking budgets the word “zero” doesn’t exactly instill confidence in the practice’s virtues. After all, no one likes to hear the number zero when talking about their money. But rest assured the concept of zero-based budgeting is not as scary as it seems and is, in fact, a good way to dig yourself out of debt or grow your nest egg. Let...

6 Credit Card Items You Can Negotiate

If you’ve ever struggled to pay down high-interest credit card debt, you know that it can start to feel overwhelming at times – almost as if your credit card is running the show and you’re just along for the ride. This out-of-control feeling is a little scary, and a lot discouraging. And it can be a huge barrier to improving your financial life, whether your goal is to get...

8 Ways to Generate Passive Income

Who doesn’t want extra cash? I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t be happy to bring home a little extra money every month. But side income usually means taking a side job of some kind – and not everyone has the kind of schedule that can accommodate a traditional part time gig. That’s where passive income comes in. As the name suggests, passive income allows you to earn money...

Affordable Alternatives to Traditional Cable TV

Cutting the Cord Thinking about saying goodbye to cable TV? You’re definitely not alone. According to one recent study, one in five households in the U.S. has cut the cord on traditional cable television, opting for lower-cost alternatives. If you’re looking for a way to cut your monthly expenses, I can’t think of a better place to start than cable TV. Think about it: You pay a hefty chunk...

Surprising Ways You Waste Money

You may consider yourself somewhat frugal: You don’t spend piles of cash on fancy vacations, new cars, or luxury items. You aren’t house poor. You don’t buy lottery tickets and you’ve curbed your Starbucks addiction. You try to eat at home most nights a week. But somehow, you still end up with less money than you’d like at the end of each month. What gives?  Chances are good that...

A to Z Guide of Staying Out of Debt

The key to staying out of debt is to keep a better handle on your finances through things like spending less, budgeting, and saving money. It takes work, but it’s not impossible. And you might be surprised by how many small things you can do to work toward a debt-free lifestyle. Just for fun, I thought I’d break things down alphabetically, so here’s your official A to Z guide...

Raising Finance Savvy Kids

Financial education is a lifelong undertaking – and, unfortunately, it’s one subject that isn’t taught in schools. If you want to help your kids grow up to be financially responsible adults, it’s really up to you to help them understand money, budgeting, and finances. Ideally slowly with the basics, and work your way up to more complex concepts. Need some suggestions? Read on to get some ideas for age-appropriate...