Creating a budget is a big step on the path to a better financial life. However, maintaining your budget is even more important. Even if you start with good intentions, over time it is possible to get off track if you don’t know what you are doing. To ensure your success, here are three traits that will help you stay the course: 1. Motivation. Are you motivated to do the right thing in regards to your...
As a small business owner or office manager, there may come a time when you need to take a hard look at your spending. Did you know that approximately two-thirds of Americans don’t budget? While this number may or may not be as high in regards to small business, nothing changes the fact that you need to pay close attention to every last dollar you spend. This leads us to an important question: are you overspending...
As you compare your debit card and credit card, you have a big decision to make. Which one will you turn to when it’s time to make a purchase? While your credit card may seem like the better option, thanks to the ability to earn rewards and build credit, there are times when it’s better to swipe your debit card. 1. You are swimming in credit card debt. If you are already bogged down with credit...
Are you in desperate need of money? Do you find yourself comparing your many options for obtaining the cash you need? Like many, the first place you turn is your bank account. If you don’t find what you need, it’s natural to turn your attention to your credit card. While a personal loan isn’t the right choice for every consumer in need of money, there are many benefits that allow this product to standout. Consider the...
Have you come to the conclusion that your employer should be paying you more money? Are you ready to negotiate your salary for the first time? Although this can be a stressful situation, it’s something you’ll probably face at some point in your career. Despite your concerns, such as the possibility of your employer shooting you down, it’s important to move forward and take immediate action. After all, you don’t want to work for less than...
As of this past March I’ve been posting monthly tips for saving money, which I’m calling “frugal flips.” So far, the flips I’ve shared in this series have the potential to save around $1973 a year. Frugal Flip #6: Re-think your coffee brewing method This one will be especially useful for those of you who regularly make your own coffee at home with a single cup brewing machine, such as a Keurig. If you’ve been thinking...
When it comes to saving money there’s no denying the popularity of coupons. In their 2017 Coupon and Promo Code Use Study, public opinion research firm PRRI found that 92% of consumers have used coupons in the past year. But do they really help us save money? Unfortunately, too many of us end up spending more money when we use coupons than we would have without them. And that is exactly why coupons exist. Budget conscious...
With the holiday shopping season closing in, now is the best time to get prepared. If you wait too long, if you continue to put this off, you may find yourself searching for gifts without any time to spare. Supply disruptions in 2020 magnify the current need to not procrastinate. Fortunately, you have the option to prepare yourself well in advance. Here are three steps you can take now to prepare for the holiday shopping you...
Are you considering a loan from a family member or friend? Are you familiar with the many ways this could benefit your finances? The advantages of this type of loan are well documented. In addition to a lack of paperwork, you may find somebody who is willing to loan you the money interest free. Does it get any better than that? While you may be attracted by the many benefits of borrowing from family or friends,...
There is nothing more stressful than facing a personal emergency that has the potential to negatively impact your finances. From a serious illness to a major car repair, you never know what you will face in the future. This is why you need to be prepared for anything that could come your way. Although everyone is facing a different set of circumstances, here are some of the best ways to pay for a personal emergency: Emergency...
