Memory doesn't always serve me well when it comes to getting things done. Even when I have the best intentions to do something that will help me save money, sometimes the details slip by me. Has that ever happened to you? You got hit with a late payment fee because you forgot to pay a bill? You meant to save money, but then you got to the end of the month and you hadn't saved a dime? You're not alone. And there's one way to make sure you remember: Automate your finances. … [Read more...]
Filling up your gas tank has gotten a lot less painful in the last couple of weeks. In fact, gas prices have fallen to their lowest point in years. For those of you who put on the miles in your vehicles, this means a significant savings. In our household, we're spending about 1/2 of what we spent on gas for our vehicles just one year ago. We're definitely feeling the impact. And it feels pretty good. But we've been around long enough to know that these low gas prices won't last … [Read more...]
I love the start of a new year. It’s a fresh start, a clean slate, and a chance to make positive changes. If you struggled with your finances last year, then let’s start fresh. Let’s stop putting ourselves in that fight or flight mode when it comes to our money. Let’s make some smart money moves this year. If you make these moves this year, you’ll put yourself on better financial ground and reduce your money-related stress. … [Read more...]
Some of you will be getting information from your employer about open enrollment options for your health care in the upcoming weeks. Don’t just brush this paperwork aside or breeze through it! There is important information in those documents that can save you money. This is the time of year where you will determine if (and how much) you will contribute to a flexible spending account (FSA). … [Read more...]
Are you living paycheck to paycheck? Exhausted by making ends meet and frustrated that there’s no money left for anything, let alone savings? You’re not alone. … [Read more...]
The average American spends upwards of $750 on holiday shopping. If you're putting that amount on a credit card, it could take you about 5 years to pay it off. (Not to mention the $350 you'll pay in interest!) Let's stop being average. It's time to break the cycle of debt and learn how to afford the holidays. … [Read more...]
Managing your finances is a lot like managing your diet. There's only so many calories you should consume in a day. There's only so much money you should spend each day. Knowing that doesn't prevent us from overindulging. Bad spending habits have a way of sneaking up on us, just like too much late-night snacking does on our pants. In the last few years, we've paid off $40,000 in debt and I lost 30 pounds. It took some serious work to break our bad spending habits and change our diets. … [Read more...]