January 2, 2018 Now that the new year has arrived, many people want to get their finances back in shape. Many of us go overboard when it comes to holiday spending. While a once a year splurge is fine, continuing that level of spending all year long will lead to problems. Here are some ways…
December 26, 2017 Did you know that January is Financial Wellness Month? Many people make health-related New Year’s Resolutions, but the beginning of the year is also a good time to do a well-being check on the health of your finances. Paying down debt or saving money for retirement is always a good idea, but…
December 18, 2017 It can be overwhelming—and even a little embarrassing—to feel financial strain as everyone around you checks items off their holiday wish list. But there are plenty of ways to give a gift without spending much money—or any at all. This is a perfect opportunity to let your creativity shine. Being thoughtful and…
November 16, 2017 Have you started your holiday shopping yet? I’m one of those people who waits until the very last minute. I always intend to start in October but keep putting it off just a few more days until it’s December. Then I spend the next two weeks running around like a crazy person…
October 10, 2014 It’s only October but this is a great time to start thinking about your holiday planning. We willingly devote so many of our resources to making this time of year special which speaks volumes about its importance. The downside is that we often enter the new year emotionally, physically and financially exhausted….
January 5, 2017 One of the first things that people think of when they’re trying to cut their expenses is to start using coupons. While couponing can be an excellent way to save a few dollars on your grocery bills, if used incorrectly they can have you spending more each week. So, how can you…
December 15, 2016 We are already well into December and many of us are still struggling to finish our Christmas shopping. Unfortunately, it can be really hard to find good deals when you’re fighting the crowds. The solution? Shop online at these retailers and stack coupons like a pro to get the gifts that you want…
December 14, 2016 A friend recently described her approach to buying holiday gifts. She does everything a very particular way in order to feel good about the presents she gives. Our discussion got me thinking about how I approach gift-giving. I realize I also have a particular perspective when I choose what to give others….
December 12, 2016 With so many retail options to choose from—both online and in-person—it can be challenging to decide how, when, and where to purchase toys this holiday season. Thanks to promo codes, apps, and purchase incentives, even if a toy isn’t on sale, you can still find a way to save. If you’re helping…
November 7, 2016 We all have that friend. Every time you turn around, she’s getting a free coffee or taking her kids to an event with cool take-home gifts or running to deposit yet another rebate check. I finally asked that friend how she does it because, frankly, she’s an expert. Forget expert. She is…
September 26, 2016 Summer is over and we’re entering the fall months, which means most people have the holidays on their minds. Instead of splurging last minute on gifts and travel plans, why not get yourself into good financial shape now? This way you will have adopted healthier habits before the heavy spending period begins. Here…
August 29, 2016 Can you believe that it’s back-to-school time already? It’s incredible how quickly the summer flies by! Sad to say, it’s time to kiss those chill, flexible days goodbye—and figure out how to afford all the beginning-of-the-school-year expenses. Whether it’s school supplies, clothing, or gear, here are our suggestions for dishing out less…
June 2, 2015 If the men in your life are anything like the men in mine, Father’s Day presents a challenge. They tend to buy themselves anything that catches their fancy. Every year I’m left wonder what in the world to get them. Ideally something they’ll like, so they don’t return it. But also something that…
May 8, 2015 New moms have experienced a lot of change with arrival of baby. While there’s so much happiness that comes with their bundle of joy, there’s also stress that comes with learning to juggle baby needs, household chores, bills, money, work and personal time. With Mother’s Day quickly approaching, it’s the perfect time…
January 14, 2015 Did you spend a little too much over the holidays? If so, paying bills and getting things under control this month a little stressful. It may feel overwhelming but, with a little discipline and organization, you can get things back on track. Here are some suggestions: Avoid Denial It’s tempting to put…
November 14, 2014 Before going any further, let’s just acknowledge the fact that people have a genuinely good point when they say that there’s something questionable about Thanksgiving weekend turning into a major shopping frenzy. That being said, almost all of us can benefit from saving money and, as long as you don’t go overboard…
November 12, 2014 In Latin, the word mortgage means “death pledge”. No wonder many people want to get rid of their mortgages as soon as possible. Many homeowners have dreams about making that last mortgage payment and the party that will ensue, but leaving emotions out of it, getting rid of your mortgage early may…
January 10, 2017 Many of us vow to limit holiday spending, then get so wrapped up in the season that we spend money we simply do not have. If you’re dismayed by the size of your holiday bills, know that you are not alone. According to Bankrate.com, the average consumer needs about six months to…
September 24, 2014 3 Steps to Find the Magic Number Worried about how you’re going to pay for your children’s college education? You’re not alone. According to a recent study from Discover Student Loans, parents overwhelmingly see the value of their kids going to college. However, 85 percent of all surveyed parents said that they’re…
September 16, 2014 We try our hardest but the truth is that life can be absolutely insane. Between commuting to work, carpooling and kid activities, it’s hard to remember every single little thing that we need to do or buy from the store. Technology has some real drawbacks in terms of how we interact with…
July 15, 2014 Last week, I told you about my research into how parents help their kids learn about money in Teaching Money: How Some Families Handle It. These ideas represent the standard approach of allowance or instruction that parents use to expose their children to financial decisions. But in the process of gathering information…
July 7, 2014 The sun on our faces and the wind in our hair can make us feel like we don’t have a care in the world. After a while, though, the trips to the beach, amusement parks and ice cream shops can really add up. Before you know it, all of that “carefree” spending…
April 22, 2014 There are a host of apps and websites designed to help manage your hard-earned dollars and financial accounts. You can find online tools for banking, retirement planning, bill management, loyalty rewards, coupons, price comparison, sale alerts, rebates and much more. At first glance, this may seem very helpful; however, using too many…
January 6, 2014 We all tend to spend a little more than we should during the holidays, even when the economy isn’t so great. Maybe we were frivolous, maybe we just wanted some happiness after a tough year. Whatever the reason, reality sets in during the first month of the year and, suddenly, the splurging…
September 30, 2013 When it comes to saving money, most of us know what we should be doing but it doesn’t hurt to have a gentle reminder. Making some small modifications to your daily routine could really make a noticeable difference in the long run. You will be amazed by how good you will feel…
July 29, 2013 When the concept of online shopping was first introduced people regarded it with suspicion, understandably. Even with today’s improved security measures, transmitting payments over the internet can be a bit scary but purchasing from trusted sites does a lot to minimize risk. You can also find discounts and sales by doing a…
July 9, 2013 Whether we like it or not, we live in a society where money is extremely important. While it doesn’t have to be what rules and motivates us, we definitely need to understand how to manage our finances and that type of education is important from an early age. For that reason, it’s…
February 28, 2020 If you’re lucky enough to be getting a tax refund this year, put it to good use! There are many choices we can make with this extra lump sum of money. Choosing a few wise investments are always recommended by experts. Consider one of these! Pay down, or pay off a credit…
March 13, 2020 Shopping is great! Shopping is fun. Shopping is a chore. Shopping is exhausting. Shopping is expensive. Whatever your thoughts on shopping, it’s something we all must do. Some of us have a strict budget, while others don’t. If we add up what we spend weekly, or monthly, it can be shocking. What?…
November 29, 2011 The holiday season is a time where children expect presents, but not everybody can afford to get their kids what they want (or deserve). I’m here to show you how to keep your out of pocket costs to a minimum so you can save that money for what’s really needed – bills,…
March 30, 2012 In today’s economy, many families are looking for ways to spend less money without making sacrifices. Easier said than done … but it only takes a little effort up front to save time and extra expenses in the long run. Check out these tips for saving money and having a happy family…
January 4, 2012 Log in and leave a comment below for a chance to win a $100 gift card. (See official rules) Buying gifts can be stressful. Sure, you may know your sister’s favorite perfume or your mom’s favorite movie. But what about a last minute hostess gift, or a little something for the school…
January 20, 2012 Have you ever thought about going back to school? Many parents have, for various reasons. Maybe you weren’t ready for college when you were younger or maybe you tried and got burnt out. Whatever the reason is, a number of adults decide that this time in their life is right for going…
November 4, 2011 If you are looking for ways to save money each month, the grocery store is a great place to start. Unlike car or mortgage payments which tend to be fixed amounts, the amount of money you spend at the grocery store is something you can control. It is important we find ways…
November 4, 2011 If you are looking for ways to save money each month, the grocery store is a great place to start. Unlike car or mortgage payments which tend to be fixed amounts, the amount of money you spend at the grocery store is something you can control. It is important we find ways…
November 18, 2011 There really are no hard and fast pocket money rules that parents and kids everywhere should follow. Your family’s pocket money rules will depend on the preferences and needs of your own particular family. However, it’s generally a good idea for kids to have some sort of pocket money, even from as…
October 28, 2011 Is the Envelope System Right for You? So you’ve taken the first step in getting a grip on your finances and you’ve set up your budget. As hard as that was to do, you may realize that creating your budget was actually the easy part. The hardest part of a budget is…
February 10, 2012 No matter if the economy is bad or if you’re short on funds, saving money is something that’s important to do, but sometimes people aren’t sure where to start, or how they can cut down their costs. There are a number of ways to save money, in a variety of different aspects…
February 10, 2012 No matter if the economy is bad or if you’re short on funds, saving money is something that’s important to do, but sometimes people aren’t sure where to start, or how they can cut down their costs. There are a number of ways to save money, in a variety of different aspects…
November 25, 2011 Like most moms, I always think of my kids and their needs first. That includes their clothing. But not anymore. I want a wardrobe that reflects me – shows I am someone other than just a soccer mom and I still have my own sense of style. I have a boho, hippy,…
October 6, 2011 As Halloween merchandise overtakes the stores this month, it can be tempting to overspend on candy, costumes, and decorations. Halloween is a huge money maker for retailers, and it is one of the most decorated holidays, second only to Christmas. With a little bit of planning this year, you can save money…
August 18, 2019 It’s last-minute for back to school and your wallet is slim. Very slim. Don’t panic! I know some kids need new shiny school outfits for the first week or two, but not all do. Ask your children if a particular element is very important to them. For some, it’s not. My sons…
October 5, 2011 Allowing teenagers to get their driver’s licenses can be an exciting and rewarding time for the entire family as they gain independence and the new “adult” responsibilities that come with driving. While adding a teen driver to your policy may increase your auto insurance rates, there are several things you can do…
September 27, 2011 Vacations are a special time for families to explore new surroundings while spending time together. For many, these trips provide a lifetime of memories. Unfortunately, the high costs of travel can be daunting and discouraging but there are a few ways to make planning a family getaway a lot more affordable. Stay…
September 15, 2011 Maybe you are the type of person who always pays your credit card balance in full before the end of your billing cycle, and enjoys the reward points you gain. But if you are part of the majority of Americans who owe $9300.00 or more on credit cards, it may be time…