I remember sitting in the credit counselor's office like it was yesterday. I had $50,000 in debt and no idea where my money was going every month. Her suggestion was like a foreign language to me, but she said it was the only solution to reach financial success. She told me to make a … [Read more...] about How to Create a Budget: Budgeting 101
What is an emergency fund? How much do you really need to pay for unexpected expenses?
Most Americans don’t have $400 of emergency money saved. You don’t have to be one of them. Get the tools and knowledge you need to start saving for an emergency, build it to $1,000, and then keep going. It’s easier than you think.
Learn the difference between an emergency fund and sinking funds, and see how to set them up for everything from car repairs to vacations. Prepare for tomorrow, today. Get started below.
10 Proven Ways to Pay off Debt Faster This Year
According to CNBC, the average American has $24,000 in debt (not including their mortgage). Unfortunately, high interest credit card debt and pricey car loans can prevent you from reaching your financial goals. If you're underwater, financial freedom feels like it will take too long to achieve. … [Read more...] about 10 Proven Ways to Pay off Debt Faster This Year
What To Do When You Lose Your Job
Losing your job can be devastating both financially and emotionally. It's easy to allow it to become destructive, but that often makes the situation worse. Worrying about job loss in challenging economic times is normal. While it's important to remember that time will heal what you're … [Read more...] about What To Do When You Lose Your Job
How to Pay Yourself First and Grow Your Wealth
Few principles are more important in personal finance than the concept of paying yourself first. You may have heard of this term and not understood it. Or, you might be struggling to save money every month and need to rectify that. If you need to manage your money more efficiently, this guide … [Read more...] about How to Pay Yourself First and Grow Your Wealth
Common Monthly Household Expenses: How to Save More Money
What do you think of when you hear the word 'budget'? Do you think of something restrictive or something that gives you freedom? By nature, most people hate living on a budget. They think you can't enjoy life on a budget. We know that's not the case. A spending plan is a helpful tool to help … [Read more...] about Common Monthly Household Expenses: How to Save More Money
How to Prepare for a Recession: 6 Steps to Take Now
Merely hearing the word “recession” causes most people to react with utter fear. I was a stockbroker during the Great Recession of 2008 and saw how dreadful it was for investors. While that fear is palpable, and we can't predict the future, there will always be economic booms and slumps. The … [Read more...] about How to Prepare for a Recession: 6 Steps to Take Now
What if I Can’t Pay My Bills This Month?
We all face challenging financial circumstances from time to time. Whether it's mountains of debt, or having no emergency fund to manage a crisis, difficult times cause stress. Many Americans can relate. In fact, LendingClub found that, as of the end of 2021, over 60 percent of Americans … [Read more...] about What if I Can’t Pay My Bills This Month?
How to Build an Emergency Fund in 2023
Life is unpredictable. Your air conditioner may need an expensive repair, or you could have a costly medical emergency. If you don't have a financial safety net, you might use your credit card to finance the expense. Unfortunately, that only continues the cycle of debt. Emergency savings is … [Read more...] about How to Build an Emergency Fund in 2023
How to Budget When You’re Broke
Living on a budget can help you stay on track financially. However, you might think budgeting is too difficult if you have limited resources. Thankfully, it's not as hard as it may seem. This guide can show you how to wisely manage your money even if you earn minimum wage or are facing dire … [Read more...] about How to Budget When You’re Broke
11 Recommended Budget Percentages By Category: How Much Should You Spend?
One of the best ways to reach your money goals is to follow a monthly budget. While people often believe budgeting is restrictive, it can create freedom when done wisely. The key is using a simple formula. For example, Dave Ramsey provides a roadmap to being successful with your money through his … [Read more...] about 11 Recommended Budget Percentages By Category: How Much Should You Spend?
11 Best Free Budget Software Tools
Managing your money isn’t always easy, but knowing where your money goes each month is a terrific way to minimize stress. Free budget software can help you make a basic spending plan and track your expenses. These tools offer numerous interactive features to help you stay on top of your finances … [Read more...] about 11 Best Free Budget Software Tools
9 Mint.com Alternatives: Top Picks to Manage Your Money
Personal finance apps like Mint make it easy to see exactly how you're spending your money while tracking your savings progress. Even though Mint is an effective budgeting app, you may prefer a different budgeting style or set of features that make it easier to create a spending plan and monitor … [Read more...] about 9 Mint.com Alternatives: Top Picks to Manage Your Money
