Budgeting, Planning & Family Money

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As survivors of domestic abuse situations begin to take control of their lives, regaining financial stability, saving money and setting financial goals are tasks of the utmost importance. Financial abuse is a common tactic used by abusers to gain power and control in a relationship. It can be as [...]

If you have a furry or feathered family member, you’ve probably faced this conundrum: How much are you willing to budget for medications and medical care for Fluffy? It’s not always a simple question to answer. For example, our family paid less than $10 for a hamster, and we swore that we would never spend [...]

Teaching your teens money management skills, such as how to stick to a budget and save money, is essential training for when they’re older. When your teens get older, giving them a weekly allowance may no longer make sense, as they want and need more control over what they buy. Often, their purchases are big-ticket [...]

As parents, we want what’s best for our children. But the best thing for our kids isn’t always what they want—or, at least, it isn’t always getting them what they want right when they want it. Before you give in to your child’s whim, buying the latest toys or clothes, stop and think about some [...]

The cost of college keeps rising, and many students are turning to student loans to help them afford their schooling. Unfortunately, this means many graduate with crushing debt. In fact, with outstanding student loans surpassing $1 trillion, many are questioning whether a college education is worth the high costs. Fortunately, with some planning, it’s possible [...]

There are many financial obligations that can clutter up your financial life. From the junk mail pushing the latest credit card offer to the checks you write to pay bills, the financial chaos can start to weigh you down. A piece of personal finance advice: To get back on track, you may want to begin [...]