A budget is one way to consistently manage your money. A budget usually allocates a certain amount of money to each of your expenses such as rent, student loans, car loans, mortgage loans and credit card debt. Learn tips to create an effective budget and what to include in a budget as well as when it’s appropriate to start children on a budget.
How to Save More Money in the Country’s 5 Most Expensive Cities
It’s hard to find ways to save more money, and living in one the country’s most expensive cities makes that goal even more difficult. The good news? I’ve got three tips that can help you save more money without having to pack up and flee the neighborhood. Last month, a GoBankingRates study looked at the [...]
7 Quick and Easy Ways to Save More Money in 1 Hour
Everyone could use some money help, but it seems like there’s never enough time to get started. But what if you could save more money each month and learn how to budget in just one hour? In honor of Money Smart Week, I’ve compiled 7 quick and easy ways to save more money in just [...]
How Money Stress Could Lead to Divorce
Studies have shown time and time again that money stress is bad for marriages and can sometimes even lead to divorce. Last month, in honor of Valentine's Day, Reuters Money got a bunch of financial experts together for a Love and Money Twitter chat aimed at helping couples work through their dollar-based differences and keep their [...]
Should I Stretch My Budget To Buy a House?
Q: Should I stretch my budget to buy a house? I'm thinking about buying a first house but I'd have to really stretch my budget to afford it. And, to complicate things, I don't plan to stay in this first house more than for five years. Is it worth stretching my budget to buy if I'm [...]
New Year’s Financial Resolutions
Saving money is always a popular New Year's resolution, especially after spending so much during the holidays. It feels so good to give, but after the holidays are over, it’s time to rein in your spending and set some new financial goals. I always make some New Year’s financial resolutions, and then at the end [...]
How to Build a Black Friday, Holiday Shopping Budget Plan
The holiday shopping season is upon us, and it’s the time of year when your budget (and your pantry) is most strained. But you can limit the damage by building a Black Friday/holiday shopping budget plan. You’ll need to keep your gift list tight and decide in advance how much you’ll spend on each person. [...]
Before You Retire: 30 Days Away
Retirement is just 30 days away. You’ve reached the final stretch of days before retirement, and while your years of financially saving and mentally preparing are about to pay off, a few areas might still need your attention before you ride off into the sunset. To help prevent your retirement activities from derailing your budget, [...]
Before You Retire: 90 Days Away
You’ve prepared for retirement for decades, saving money, and making plans, and now the big day is just three months away. With only 90 days left until retirement, you may still have questions—and preparations that need to be made. Here are some steps to consider taking three months prior to retirement. Practice living within your [...]
What Size Retirement Is Right for You?
You might already have plans for your golden years, but finding the right size retirement for you is crucial to make them a reality. Unexpected health and other costs are bound to come up, so the sooner you know what you want retirement to look like, the faster you’ll be able to adjust your plans [...]
9 Ways to Save $7,000 in 2016
Maybe you wish you could save more money for a rainy day or to spend on a nice vacation, but the thought of giving up free time to work a second job doesn’t sound attractive to you. If so, it might be time to make some minor course corrections with your budget. You may be [...]