Congratulations, you're done with school! Living on a student budget in college does little to prepare you for life post-graduation. With your first professional job, you likely have more money and dozens of ways to spend it. While overwhelming, following a few simple money tips will help you … [Read more...] about Budget Worksheet For New College Graduates: How to Master Your Money
The “B” word can be intimidating, causing many people to resist learning how to make a budget until well into adulthood. But today, free tools and apps make budgeting for beginners and experts alike, easier.
Browse our list of the best ways to learn how to make a budget and stick to it. You’ll find freedom comes with knowing how to track your expenses and make smart spending decisions. Start today!
Rocket Money Review: Does it Really Save You Money?
Staying on top of your bills is essential if you want to improve your finances. Rocket Money can track your due dates and monitor how you spend your money so you can avoid unexpected expenses. The app can also help you cancel unwanted subscriptions, make a budget, and provide personalized … [Read more...] about Rocket Money Review: Does it Really Save You Money?
7 Best Apps Like Dave to Get a Cash Advance
The Dave app is a popular personal finance app that allows users to take small cash advances when they are short on funds. It is free to use, offers a variety of budgeting tools, and helps users avoid overdraft fees. However, there are other apps like Dave that allow you to access … [Read more...] about 7 Best Apps Like Dave to Get a Cash Advance
Spruce Review: Is the Fee-Free Mobile Banking App Worth it?
Most banks aren’t designed to help you manage your funds efficiently. In fact, many bank accounts have multiple fees that can eat away at your savings. The reality is that managing your money effectively and avoiding unnecessary costs can help you reach your financial goals faster. If … [Read more...] about Spruce Review: Is the Fee-Free Mobile Banking App Worth it?
15 Best Coupon Sites to Save Money in 2023
Do you want to save money at the store but hate clipping coupons? Thankfully, this practice is not necessary to cut costs. Instead, you can use coupon apps to spend less when shopping online or in store. Thanks to these platforms, you can find instant discounts on groceries and other items. Some … [Read more...] about 15 Best Coupon Sites to Save Money in 2023
YNAB vs. Mint: Which Budgeting App is Best For You?
If you’re new to managing money, you know how difficult it is to find the right tools. Budgeting can be overwhelming, but there are apps that streamline the process to help you reach your goals quicker. Many people new to personal finance look at YNAB vs. Mint to help them achieve their financial … [Read more...] about YNAB vs. Mint: Which Budgeting App is Best For You?
How to Stop Living Paycheck-to-Paycheck
Having little cash in your bank account at the end of the month feels nauseating for many people. When I was paying off debt, I often had next to nothing in my account at month end. That feeling brings dread and evokes the sense that you will never have relief. Thankfully, it is possible to stop … [Read more...] about How to Stop Living Paycheck-to-Paycheck
7 Best You Need A Budget Alternatives [Cheap & Free Budget Apps]
Personal finance apps like You Need A Budget (YNAB) make it easy to see how you’re spending your money while tracking your savings progress. Even though YNAB is a powerful budgeting tool, you may prefer a different platform to manage your money. If you’re looking for alternatives to YNAB, there … [Read more...] about 7 Best You Need A Budget Alternatives [Cheap & Free Budget Apps]
YNAB vs. EveryDollar: Which is the Best Budgeting App?
Budgeting helps you spend less than you earn and set aside cash for upcoming goals. An easy-to-use budgeting app like You Need a Budget (YNAB) or EveryDollar can provide the confidence you need to reach your spending and saving goals. There are many similarities between both apps, including bank … [Read more...] about YNAB vs. EveryDollar: Which is the Best Budgeting App?
How to Save Money on A Tight Budget
It's easy to get caught in the trap of having no money left at the end of the month. If you regularly encounter this situation, there is a way out. You can save money on a tight budget and become financially stable. Even if you set aside $20 monthly, it will make a difference. If that amount … [Read more...] about How to Save Money on A Tight Budget
What Are Dave Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps?: Do They Work?
Dave Ramsey is one of the most popular personal finance gurus in the space. He offers books like Total Money Makeover and financial classes via Financial Peace University. Ramsey's Baby Steps plan helps people achieve financial freedom. You've likely heard of these seven baby steps, which are … [Read more...] about What Are Dave Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps?: Do They Work?
9 Mint.com Alternatives: Top Paid and Free Budgeting Apps
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 Paid and Free Budgeting Apps
Simplifi by Quicken Review 2023: Is the Budgeting App Worth it?
A budget is often the key to managing your finances successfully. If you want to hit your financial goals, tracking your budget and handling other money tasks in the same place is helpful. Simplifi by Quicken is an app that offers a seamless way to monitor your finances and your budget in one … [Read more...] about Simplifi by Quicken Review 2023: Is the Budgeting App Worth it?
33 Signs You’re Financially Stable
I remember the trip to Target like it was yesterday. My wife and I were trying to decide between dental floss and aluminum foil. As newlyweds who were still paying off my debt, we had no breathing room. We were not the picture of financial stability. Being financially stable means one thing – … [Read more...] about 33 Signs You’re Financially Stable
5 Best Second Chance Bank Accounts of 2023
A bank account is a critical tool for managing your finances. However, you might have trouble opening an account if you’ve made some financial mistakes. Luckily, second chance bank accounts offer a lifeline. If you were turned down for a checking account, getting a second chance account … [Read more...] about 5 Best Second Chance Bank Accounts of 2023
How to Create a Budget: Budgeting 101
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
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
7 Best Chime Alternatives for 2023
Choosing a bank is an integral part of managing your finances. With online banks growing in popularity, it’s easy to avoid fees. However, you want to find one that meets your needs. Chime is a leading financial software company and one of our favorites in the space. But, other choices might be a … [Read more...] about 7 Best Chime Alternatives for 2023
The 4 Gift Rule: What It Is and How to Use It This Christmas
Buying gifts for your kids can be a challenge. You want to give them presents they'll enjoy, but you don't want to overwhelm them or overspend. The average American spent roughly $1,000 on holiday shopping in 2021. Without a plan for what Christmas presents your children want, it's easy to … [Read more...] about The 4 Gift Rule: What It Is and How to Use It This Christmas
7 Best Alternatives to Personal Capital
Budgeting and money management apps are excellent tools to help you stay on top of your finances. Many people like Personal Capital since it offers free personal finance tools to monitor your spending, net worth, and investments. However, there are several Personal Capital alternatives that can … [Read more...] about 7 Best Alternatives to Personal Capital
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
9 Best Alternatives to Bankruptcy: Kill Debt for Good!
Filing for bankruptcy is usually the last resort for someone to get relief from financial difficulties. If you are dealing with excessive debt, you might be considering this solution. Every situation is different. It may be best for you to file chapter 7 or chapter 13 to relieve your financial … [Read more...] about 9 Best Alternatives to Bankruptcy: Kill Debt for Good!
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
What Percentage of My Income Should Go To Rent?
Renting an apartment for the first time or moving into new digs can be stressful. Not only do you need to move all your belongings, but you also have to evaluate how renting will impact your monthly bills. In an age where we’re seeing the cost of rent increase by 15 percent across the … [Read more...] about What Percentage of My Income Should Go To Rent?
11 Simple Ways to Lower Your Monthly Bills and Save Money
Budgeting is a critical part of reaching your financial goals. One thing budgeting teaches you is that you don't need to settle for paying expensive bills. Finding ways to lower your monthly bills can help you stop living paycheck-to-paycheck and have breathing room at the end of … [Read more...] about 11 Simple Ways to Lower Your Monthly Bills and Save 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
How to Save $500 a Month: 10 Ways to Save More Money Now
Saving money is an essential part of financial stability. Reducing your spending helps you work towards achieving your short and long-term goals. However, you might think that you can't lower your monthly bills or amass significant savings. Fortunately, it's possible to do both of these things if … [Read more...] about How to Save $500 a Month: 10 Ways to Save More Money Now
How Much Should Your Car Payment Be?
When you are buying a car, there are multiple factors to consider. From make and model to miles per gallon and more, the process of figuring out which vehicle to purchase can be stressful. However, throwing finances into the equation can make it even more overwhelming. Fortunately, … [Read more...] about How Much Should Your Car Payment Be?
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 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
