How to Plug the Holes
3 MIN READ
One good reason to endure the occasional drudgery of budgeting is that it alerts you to trouble while you still have time to do something about it. You're forced to find out why your expenditures are climbing and to take action.
If the electric or gas bill is higher because the rates were raised, you'll have to revise your monthly forecasts for that budget item, and figure out whether other items... Continue reading
Frugality is a Career Tool
4 MIN READ
I have earned a lot of money in my life. But I have never had an extravagant life. I don’t own a house. I’ve never bought a new car. I didn’t buy a new piece of living room furniture until I was 40, and I do not own a single piece of real jewelry. What I have spent money on was always intended to help me with my career. That was so I know that I can always earn money doing something I love. I... Continue reading
Easy Budget Tricks for Controlling Your Spending
3 MIN READ
Get Real With Your Spending
To control your spending your first must know how much you actually spend and what you are spending your money on. "Most people have no idea what they are spending on things like fast food and coffee for the month," notes Herigstad. She recommends that you collect all of the receipts for your spending for a full month and calculate your total spending and totals by... Continue reading
Personal Budgeting: Keep More Cash
3 MIN READ
Congratulations! You have kept the U.S. economy afloat by opening up your wallet for everything from cars to candy bars.
But if stuffing cash into the nation's economic cracks has swollen your credit card balances or depleted your savings, it may be time to turn your attention to your own economic stability.
Frivolous spending may not be the problem. Maybe it's higher energy bills or a new... Continue reading
Find a Penny, Save a Million
2 MIN READ
This following is a guest post by Bob Bobala, personal finance guru and former Motley Fool editor-in-chief.
In a sign of the times, educators in Florida are trying to collect 2.6 million pennies – one for each student in the state – to make a point about the plight of education on the steps of the Florida state Capitol. The plan has had some kinks, namely, the heft of 2.6 million pennies – about... Continue reading
6 Easy Money-Saving Budget Tips Everyone Should Try
4 MIN READ
Tip #1: Mind the Lights
Switch your incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent lamps that are qualified by the Energy Star program. You'll save around $40 over the life of each bulb. Traditional incandescent lights are the least efficient type of household lighting, since 90 percent of the energy used is lost to heat, but if you're still using them you'll save energy, and money, by turning them... Continue reading
9 Great Gifts to Give Without Blowing Up Your Budget
5 MIN READ
Times are tough, money is tight, and the holidays are fast approaching. Many shoppers need to keep a tight rein on their spending, but don’t want to feel like the Grinch when it comes to giving budget gifts to friends and family. How can you save money while giving thoughtful gifts on a budget? Believe it or not, it can be done with budgeting help! Here are 9 affordable – and in most cases, free... Continue reading
Easy Ways to Trim a Household Budget
4 MIN READ
Grow your own vegetables, fruits or herbs
Nutritionists recommend eating several servings of fruits and vegetables a day, but buying produce at the store can be expensive. Many people are also concerned about pesticides and genetic modification in mass-produced foods. “Growing your own produce can save a significant amount of money,” advises Holland, “and you’ll have control over what goes on... Continue reading
5 Good Reasons to Curb Your Spending
5 MIN READ
I keep feeling I've already cut as much as spending as I can. Does everyone feel that way?
But look, I moved from NYC to a farm. There are no stores here so I have to go to eBay at 2am for something to qualify as an impulse buy. There are no avenues for splurging on spoiled children beyond buying an extra dog or donkey. But still I find avenues to extravagances that I hate giving up.
It's hard to... Continue reading
Finances 101: Opening Your First Checking Account
3 MIN READ
Finances 101: Opening Your First Checking Account
Opening your first checking account, no matter how old you are, is a sign of financial independence. In fact, it's almost a necessity to function financially. Before you open your first account, make sure you shop around to find the account that offers the best benefits. There's no one perfect account for everyone, so knowing which features are... Continue reading
