January 4, 2021 In 2020, many of us learned that pandemics are expensive and financially draining. The prices of regular household items skyrocketed, we paid more to have our groceries delivered to our homes, and we signed up for services to make our lives more comfortable. On top of that, some of us lost our…
December 10, 2020 Around the world, people have been affected by the pandemic in numerous ways. Not only have health and wellness been a concern, but the financial impact has been difficult for families everywhere. It’s not surprising, then, that many may be wondering how they can even afford the holidays in 2020. No matter…
November 9, 2020 What topics do you like to discuss with your family members? Movies. Books. Netflix. Weather. Quarantine. These are all relatively easy topics to discuss. When was the last time you threw estate planning into the mix of a conversation with your family? That’s right. Estate planning! Of course, not many people want…
September 29, 2020 People are starting to stock up for fall and not just because of coronavirus. It’s flu season, hurricane season still, and then of course there are concerns that things will be shut down again. Here’s a list of some important items you may want to stock up on. Household Needs Think batteries…
August 24, 2020 We all know small businesses are suffering. Even before the pandemic, it was important to support small businesses, especially those in your local towns. Now it’s more vital than ever. Speaking to business owners and reading articles, I’ve rounded up some reasons why we should take action to support small businesses. Small…
March 19, 2020 We all need a paycheck. It’s one of the necessary evils of adulthood. Unfortunately, too many of us get trapped in work situations that hurt us emotionally, physically, and/or spiritually. We started to buckle under the pressure and feelings of burnout, which can actually take a toll on our overall health and…
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?…
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…
February 19, 2020 By now, the financial fallout from the holiday season has become real. Maybe you did better in 2019, but some of us are left wondering why we keep doing this to ourselves. We spend the whole year trying to be responsible, and then we go into debt to give gifts to others….
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…
April 1, 2019 If you’ve been putting off filing your taxes, you’re not alone. In 2017 more than 40 million people put off filing their taxes until April and this year is expected to be no different. While we’ve all come to expect yearly changes to tax laws, it’s never a bad idea to familiarize…
January 19, 2019 If the holiday bills have you thinking about how to earn extra money, you’re not alone. Many people overspend during the holidays and only realize the full impact when the credit card bills start arriving in January. Whether you want to earn extra money to pay for holiday spending or just put…
January 8, 2019 If one of your goals for the new year is to find ways to reduce expenses, keep reading. I have a few methods that will really help you get your expenses under control. Whether your goal is to save for a large expense like a vacation, your child’s college education, or your…
December 27, 2018 When it comes to New Year’s Resolutions, people tend to think of changes they want to change within their personal life but it’s important to look for ways in which you can improve professionally too. Too often, we fall into a routine and then rarely take the time to reevaluate our choices…
November 26, 2018 Maybe you missed Black Friday and Small Business Saturday or you simply like shopping in your pajamas (solidarity sister), then Cyber Monday is the perfect shopping experience for you. Even if you’re shopping down to the wire, there are still deals to be had online; the key is knowing how to find…
November 23, 2018 It’s only November but you’ve probably already started preparing for the upcoming festive season. Whether it’s a holiday meal or gifts, the costs associated with this time of year are always higher than we expect. Even with a solid plan, it’s so easy to get swept up in the fun music, cute…
November 22, 2018 Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Is it a coincidence that tomorrow’s Black Friday is also National Espresso Day? Probably not, but if you want to brave the stores on Black Friday it’s better to arm yourself with a game plan before you go (and a shot or three of espresso probably won’t hurt either)….
October 22, 2018 Yes, it’s still October and many of us find it annoying to go to the store and already see Christmas decorations on sale—but it’s not too early to start budgeting for the holiday season. Too often, it sneaks up on us and, without a plan in place, the costs snowball until January…
September 20, 2018 Which December holiday are you counting down to? You likely know exactly how many days are left til it’s here! Whether it is Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, you will have extra expenses celebrating the holidays most important to you and your family. However, these expenses don’t have to be sudden or surprising….
September 13, 2018 Is your passport burning a hole in your pocket? Are you anxious to start digging into your travel bucket list? Are you hoping to take your kids to Walt Disney World …b efore they’re off to college? If the only thing standing between you and the family vacation of your dreams is…
March 22, 2018 Spring break is almost here, which means summer vacation planning is on the horizon. Kids will be home and there are so many places to visit and trips to take! Unfortunately, costs are almost always a concern. Making small changes today can add up and help you save extra cash in time…
January 15, 2018 New year, new you, right? While many people commit to improving some aspect of life this time of year, the focus is rarely on finances. Sure, you might create a few financial goals, but after months of spending over the holidays, many people don’t even want to look at their bank accounts!…
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 25, 2017 Believe it or not, it’s almost time to shop for the holidays. No matter how determined we are to save for holiday shopping, many of us fall short—and panic sets in. How are we going to buy presents and entertain friends and relatives without maxing out all our credit cards? Here are…
October 24, 2017 Every year, the stores get busier, the noise gets louder, and my patience for holiday shopping becomes shorter and shorter. To cope, I’ve devised some simple ways to make the process more bearable, so I can get through the shopping and enjoy the many parts of the holidays that I do enjoy….
October 5, 2017 The holiday season is coming soon. Doesn’t it feel like every year goes by faster than the one before? It’s crazy. You know what else is crazy? How much we spend on the holidays every year. If you’ve spent many Januarys digging out from under bills and credit card statements (and who…
September 27, 2017 As temperatures drop, electric and gas bills start to climb. While you can’t help using more energy during the cold weather, there are steps you can take to minimize your costs—and help the environment, too. Weatherstripping Sealing doors and windows will help keep cold air out and warm air in. You can…
June 20, 2017 Are you wondering how to stay cool in the summer heat without cranking up the air conditioner up? I’m not a fan of super hot weather and thankfully, in Vermont, it seldom gets really hot. But the thermometer has been inching up this year, and it’s only June. Here are a few…
May 1, 2017 It’s spring, which means it’s time for spring cleaning and decluttering—and for having a garage sale to get rid of all the items you no longer need. What better way to declutter and make a little money at the same time? But there is more to having a garage sale than simply…
March 7, 2017 Spring is on the horizon—which means it’s time to start planning your summer vacation. Vacations can get pricey, particularly if you have a large family, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a blast. Whether you intend to travel or find things to do close to home, these budget-friendly vacation ideas are a…
February 23, 2017 Many people wish they had more money to spend on travel and vacations. Actually, don’t we all? Family travel—including transportation, hotel, food, and excursions—can be expensive, but if you save a little every month for your family vacation fund, you’ll be surprised how fast the money adds up! 7 ways to grow…
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…
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…
