Only 1 in 3 Americans actually prepare a detailed household budget, according to a recent Gallup survey. What I wish the results would show, however, is how many people start budgeting and then stop and start again. Budgeting is definitely a process, and if you're new to it, it can sometimes be … [Read more...] about How to Start Budgeting Again After You’ve Stopped
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Are You Financially Naked with Your Partner?
Finances came up early in my and Mrs. Frugal Rules’ relationship. In fact, I remember it coming up often as we were going through pre-marital counseling sessions (I believe they were 6-8 weeks in length) with our pastor. Those sessions forced us to become financially naked with each other; to 'bare … [Read more...] about Are You Financially Naked with Your Partner?
When Do You Need to Buy Life Insurance?
When do you need to buy life insurance is a common question that many ask. It's also one that most of us put off answering for too long. We think we're invincible or that our money is better spent elsewhere. Unfortunately, we're mortal and spending on life insurance is well worth the … [Read more...] about When Do You Need to Buy Life Insurance?
What to Do When A Loved One Dies – 12 Steps to Follow
When a loved one dies, particularly a parent, the range of issues you must manage is overwhelming. Such has been the case since my father died unexpectedly the week before Christmas. The emotions, at times, can be overwhelming – as is to be expected. You must deal with all of those emotions and … [Read more...] about What to Do When A Loved One Dies – 12 Steps to Follow
How Much You Should be Saving for Retirement Right Now
According to a recent article at Time published this month, 1 in 3 Americans have nothing saved for retirement. Zero. Nada. Nothing. I don't know about you, but to me, it's really scary that many aren't saving for retirement. Retirement is one of those things that everyone knows they should think … [Read more...] about How Much You Should be Saving for Retirement Right Now
Is Investing in the Stock Market Really That Easy?
Is investing in the stock market easy? That's a question many debate. Some equate investing in stocks the same as gambling and others say it's impossible to do. Regardless of your walk of life or comfort level with the stock market I believe investing in the stock market can be relatively easy … [Read more...] about Is Investing in the Stock Market Really That Easy?
4 Ideas For Earning Passive Income (and Why You Should)
Have you ever wished you could earn extra money without having to be at work? Isn't that one of the best things about paid time off? Imagine being on an epic vacation, visiting family for a weekend, being out with friends all night, or just taking a glorious, much-needed … [Read more...] about 4 Ideas For Earning Passive Income (and Why You Should)
What Does It Take to Feel Financially Secure?
For a long time (a really, embarrassingly long time), I had no idea what I was doing with my money. I didn't know where it was going after each paycheck, I didn't think about saving it, and saving for retirement was nonexistent. I guess I figured that any future financial plans would be my … [Read more...] about What Does It Take to Feel Financially Secure?
30 Things to Do Before You Hit 30
In two months, I'll turn 29 years old, which has me creeping closer and closer to that 30 mark! With a little over a year left until I enter a new decade of my life, I've been thinking about what I want to do in this last year of my twenties to make it worthwhile, fun, and dare I say it, life … [Read more...] about 30 Things to Do Before You Hit 30
How to Organize Your Savings – 4 Easy Steps
If you're an avid saver like I am, you might be wondering how to best organize your savings. Yes, like clothes, shoes, silverware and pantry items, saving money can be organized too. While many may end up either forgetting to save, never starting or go about it in a haphazard way, it doesn't … [Read more...] about How to Organize Your Savings – 4 Easy Steps
7 Simple Ways to Start Saving for Retirement
“I can’t start saving for retirement!” This was a common statement I heard in my stockbroker days, and one I still hear regularly today. In nearly every instance when I dug beneath the surface the answer is the same – the person believes they can’t afford to start investing money for … [Read more...] about 7 Simple Ways to Start Saving for Retirement
How Much Should You Spend On An Engagement Ring?
There are many different opinions when it comes to just how much someone should spend on an engagement ring. You might have heard that people should spend one month's salary on a ring or even three month's salary. Crazy, right? If you're wondering where this concept came from you can thank … [Read more...] about How Much Should You Spend On An Engagement Ring?
