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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... -
How To Improve Your Finances in Just 20 Days
Looking for a way to get your finances in order? Want to set some goals, revisit your budget, or lower your monthly bills? Who doesn’t? Most of us want to save more, spend less, and build financial security – but things like budgeting and shopping for better interest rates can take time. But if you just take things day by day, a step at a time, it’s not so... -
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... -
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... -
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... -
Why it Pays to Track Your Spending
You may have read here once or twice how important it is to create and maintain a budget. In fact, budgeting your money is one of the most important steps you can take toward achieving financial stability. But any attempt you make to set a budget will be a waste of time unless you go into it with a realistic picture of your spending habits. You simply can’t... -
Power of the Mind: Five Ways Our Spending Decisions Don’t Always Make ‘Cents’
Too often, even when think we’re making smart money decisions, we can be thrown off course by faulty thinking. The old saying about the mind playing tricks on us is very true. In fact, our minds can easily sabotage our efforts to save, minimize debt, and spend wisely. Here are five ways your mind can point you in the wrong direction when it comes to your finances – and... -
Breaking Bad Habits: Five Money Behaviors to Change
Let’s face it. We all have a few habits we’d like to break. Some people spend way too much time glued to their smartphones. Others bite their fingernails or eat too much junk food. And still others watch more TV or play more video games than they probably should. These are typical things that we think of when we hear people talk about “bad habits.” But what about... -
Sidestepping Overdraft Fees: Five Ways to Avoid Bank Fees
It’s never a pleasant moment: That realization that your checking account is overdrawn and your account is getting hit with multiple $35 overdraft fees. Ultimately, we’re responsible for our own financial missteps – but we all make mistakes. And if you’ve ever felt the sting of a huge overdraft fee for one small error like an overlooked debit card transaction, you know firsthand just how costly those mistakes... -
9 Money-Saving Tips to Try This Week
Trying to save a little extra money this week? Searching for easy ways to curb excess spending? Want to make your next paycheck last a little longer? Well, look no further. This week, I’m sharing some of my favorite ways to save money and cut spending. The best part? Every item on this list is quick and easy – you don’t have to block out an entire Sunday afternoon...