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
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!
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 overload … [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
7 Best You Need A Budget Alternatives
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
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