Okay, we know you hate to budget because you think it will be too hard to follow. Maybe, but if you create a realistic and workable budget with goals, it really isn’t hard at all. We’ll cover 6 primary benefits of budgeting to show you what the results can be.
Making a budget is an important financial first step and cannot be View full post…
More often than not, overspending is the result of impulse buying. This can, and usually does, lead to an increase in credit card debt. It’s a bad habit that can be hard to break, but it can be done, if you set your mind to it. To stop overspending, you must make a few changes in your lifestyle.
A part of the problem is the incessant advertising we see on television and even when browsing the internet. The temptation to buy a product that you don’t need can be hard to resist. This is especially true when the advertiser says View full post…
Being in a mature relationship is all about sharing…or is it? It generally is, until the matter of finances comes up. This topic, according to a recent survey, is where about half of the couples go in separate directions. That is, they prefer to maintain their own bank account, separate from their partner.
If you and your partner find sharing expenses a big hassle, then splitting finances might be just what works View full post…
If so, you may be surprised to know how much damage it can do to your marriage. The problem usually isn’t just short-term either…it can result in a lingering resentment. Couples that fight over money often times don’t have a money discussion before the marriage.
The American Institute of CPA’s conducted a study a few years back regarding this issue, and the results were eye-opening to say the least. They reported that View full post…
We all have our own definition as to what an emergency is, but in this article, we’ll give you the true meaning of an emergency, and how to prepare for one. Creating an emergency fund is one of the most important steps to take.
There’s two things for sure about any emergency – they can hit you from anywhere, and they will always happen at the worst possible time. And, if you don’t have a cash buffer handy, you’re in for some hard times.
Does Covid-19 ring a bell? Those who set up an emergency fund are having an easier time meeting their living expenses than most others. This is a perfect example of how and why the need to create an emergency fund.
There’s no need to panic if View full post…
(BPT) – For most people, personal finances are a private matter. When you are in a relationship, it can be difficult to discuss this typically taboo subject of a financial conversation. Whether you have been married for years or are just beginning to date, fear of your partner judging your financial choices (big or small) runs deep.
Money challenges can create stress and cause walls to form in a relationship. Financial conflicts have even worse repercussions. Tackling the topic head-on can lead to a deeper understanding of each other’s financial history, emotions and goals for the future.
In fact, talking about personal finance, while not a particularly romantic topic of conversation, builds intimacy in any relationship, according to View full post…
(BPT) – Whether it’s transforming a fixer-upper into your dream home or just giving a makeover to your kitchen or bathroom, DIY home improvement projects are on the minds of many new homeowners across the country.
While many things about renovating your home are flexible, your budget might not be. In general, not a single floor-board is laid, or a new countertop installed without money, which is why every home renovation project should begin with careful financial planning.
To help homeowners with their renovation projects, Marcus by Goldman Sachs(R) is working with home renovation expert, JoJo Fletcher, to share her budget-friendly home renovation tips.
“Think about small changes you can make if you don’t have the time to take on a big project right now, like freshening up any kitchen by refinishing your cabinets with a bright white coat of paint,” said JoJo Fletcher, ambassador for Marcus by Goldman Sachs(R). “When it comes to financing View full post…
(BPT) – As Americans work hard to meet all the obligations that come with work, family and everyday life, many are challenged to find time to manage all the financial elements affecting their healthcare.
If you’re among them you’re far from alone, since the multiple details associated with healthcare insurance can be confusing. At the same time, you want to be smart about your financial resources when making decisions about the quality healthcare you and your family need.
Fortunately, by carving out time to research money-saving tips you may be able to minimize your out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. Such out-of-pocket spending rose by more than 50 percent between 2010 and 2017, The Atlantic recently reported, partly because half of all health insurance policyholders in the U.S. are dealing with annual deductibles of at least $1,000.
Whether you’re uninsured or simply facing a high insurance deductible, you can save on healthcare by taking several steps to better manage your healthcare budget. Consider how the following tips may offer you a better sense of control of rising View full post…
Retirement planning is usually difficult for a variety of reasons. Some say its equivalent to rolling the dice because retirement may be decades away and you’re forced to make spending assumptions now.
What makes it worse is that if your guess is too far off, it can make a happy and comfortable retirement into one that is a nightmare.
Once you’re already in retirement, it can be very difficult to recover financially if some unforeseen large expense occurs. Some retirees try to find a job to supplement their income, but many others cannot. Either they’re not able physically, or the job market may be cold.
The following categories where un-planned spending generally occurs creates problems for some and blows their budget out the window. View full post…
Most of us have asked ourselves that question on numerous occasions, sometimes in disbelief. We never dreamed that it would be possible, until we look at our credit card balances that have been slowly increasing. Would living on a budget prevent that?
Usually, overspending is not a conscious effort. It could start with something as simple as meeting friends on the way to work for a latte. Your cash is spent so you just charge the drink, no big deal.
A couple of times during the week, the same friends suggest that you have dinner with them. You are shocked when the credit card bill arrives and you add up those unplanned charges that total $320.00.
You didn’t realize how easy it was to overspend without being aware of it. Now how do you tell your friends that you can’t View full post…
