We’ve all done it at one time or another; created our family budget, checked it, double checked it and then walked away. Later on, maybe a week or two later, we discover that we’ve forgotten something, drastically under budgeted something or worse. Suddenly before we know it, we’re off budget and scrambling to pay a bill or maybe even our mortgage or rent payment. To avoid those things in your life, you should have someone else look at your budget each month. Budget For Family Tip If you’ve … [Read more...]
How to Give Kids the Right Money Mindset
There’s more to life than money, right? Of course. And you want your kids to understand this, just as you want to them to be smart about money and learn to budget and spend wisely. But wouldn’t you also like to help give them a chance to have an abundant financial life in the future, one where they won’t find themselves feeling stuck or frustrated or lacking? Well, even if you don’t have a penny to pass on to them, you can. Because you do have the power to pass on a set of core … [Read more...]
Live for a Sunny Day: 10 Money Lessons No One Taught You
This year my husband and I have officially become debt free. We have been married just over 15 years and we worked hard to pay off debt, build our savings, and plan for our retirement. We have also focused on teaching our children about finances, in a way that they can understand. We want to leave them a legacy. These are things we weren't necessarily taught as children but we believe that starting with this generation we want our kids to live within their means and live free of debt. We are … [Read more...]
Five Ways We Spend Less Each Month
I have written about financial topics on the blog a few times the past year. What many of you might not know is that my husband, who has his MBA, loves anything that has to do with finances and saving. He is a bit known, in our circles, as a cheapskate. But honestly, he isn't cheap, he is very smart with money. I am thankful to be married to him. We have a great savings account, own our home and vehicles, and we are maximizing our retirement plans and college savings accounts for the kids. This … [Read more...]
4 Ways to Save Money (with kids!)
Realistically speaking, children are expensive. Kids today want the latest electronics, clothes, shoes, and as they get older -- their own car. {Try not to cringe about that last bit. I can see the fear in your eyes through the computer screen.} Part of teaching your kids responsibility is teaching them how to save money. If you've never been big on saving, now is a great time to start. You can teach your kids - and yourself - how to save up for items they want and need with the following … [Read more...]
An Easy Way to Make Extra Cash
During the holidays, finances can be tight. We found ourselves stretched thin and needing ways to make a little extra cash. Did you know that you have many things around your house that you can re-sell? We tend to buy, then store our belongings without using them. We often skip resale as an option altogether. But re-sale is a great way to make extra cash! Do you have jewelry that you don't wear? Here are three reasons why you should consider reselling the jewelry that you don’t use: Resale … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Organize Your Finances
Whether you are living paycheck-to-paycheck, or comfortably well off, being disorganized about your finances can end up costing you a lot of money in the long run. Even being a day late can result in late fees, and even overlimit charges, that can all add up over time. For example, paying your electric bill after the deadline could result in an additional $20 charge. If you pay late six times, that’s an additional $120 that you’re paying on top of your usual electric charges. If you are … [Read more...]
