12 Must-Have Features of Budgeting Software
A debt problem at its core is a budgeting problem. This is one of the most important lessons in personal finance: you can’t save your money if you don’t know where it’s going. In other words, you need a budget.
In fact, 74% of Americans now track their expenses with a budget. But just realizing the importance of a budget isn’t the same as properly executing one. Between retirement accounts,... Continue reading
20 Average Monthly Expenses to Include in Your Budget
Whether you’re creating a new budget or refreshing an old one, you’ve probably noticed how important (and difficult) it is to get your monthly expenses right. Underestimating or missing an expense can throw your spending strategy into disarray, so it’s helpful to have guidance on the budgeting norm.
To help you get it right, we’ve assembled a list of the most common average monthly expenses.
20... Continue reading
10 Budget Categories That Belong in Your Plan
At its most basic, a budget is really just a spending plan for your money. A well-thought-out budget can help you take control of your finances and use your money with purpose rather than spending it haphazardly—a habit than can quickly lead to problems when it’s time to pay the bills each month.
The first step involves breaking down your regular expenses into budget categories to get a clear... Continue reading
How a Sinking Fund Can Keep Your Holiday Budget Afloat
Personal finance blogger and Quicken user Lauren Tucker shares her secret weapon for guilt-free seasonal spending.
As we head into the last few months of the year, holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas hold the promise of food, family, travel, and gifts. But if you’re not paying attention, those “fun” holiday expenditures can add up quickly, blowing your budget and sending your financial goals careening off-track.
“A lot of people panic this time of year because they don’t have enough... Continue reading
Adjusted Gross Income: What Is it and How Does it Impact Your Taxes?
What is adjusted gross income? You’ve heard the term, of course. Perhaps your accountant mentions it in passing whenever you get your taxes done, or you recognize it as a line item on your annual tax returns. But without context, it’s hard to understand just how important it is.
Adjusted gross income (AGI) is your gross income— i.e., the total amount of money you’re paid before taxes are taken... Continue reading
How to Make a Budget That Maximizes Your Money
Want to know how to make a budget that actually works? We'll show you how to create a personal budget that can help you take your finances to the next level. Continue reading
Disposable Income: What Is it and How Does it Affect your Finances?
The term “disposable income” is something of a misnomer. It sounds like fun money, but it’s quite the opposite. Also known as disposable personal income (DPI) or “take-home pay,” disposable income, is the amount of money available after taxes and other employee deductions have been taken out of your paycheck. It’s not truly “disposable” because it has to cover your family’s most essential needs... Continue reading
Quicken Resolution Round-up: This New Year, Try Investing in You
As the year comes to a close, we’re starting to think about how to make the most of the new year and live our best lives.
Quicken, maker of the best-selling personal finance software in the US, surveyed over 1,000 adults to gather insights into financial New Year’s resolutions — and discovered some surprising secrets to success.
The best things in life might be free, but it turns out resolutions... Continue reading
Are Spending Limits the Secret to Happier Holidays?
Quicken survey reveals couples’ holiday spending trends in the U.S.
We know holiday spending is projected to increase this year. But how do couples across the US approach spending during the merriest season?
Quicken, maker of the best-selling personal finance software in the US, recently surveyed over 1,000 married adults to get a picture of their spending habits over the holidays -- and to find... Continue reading
Year-Round Money Management Breakdown [Infographic]
Year-Round Money Management Breakdown
If you’re only checking your budget once or twice a year, you need to up your finance game. Take a year-round approach with these seasonal tips. Continue reading
