How much should I save before I buy a house?
Buying a home is a big life decision. One of the questions that will come up is how much you should save before starting the home buying process. Here’s how to answer that question. Buying vs. renting a home The first step is to make sure that you’re buying a home for the right reasons.…
Read MoreWhat is a Sinking Fund?
A sinking fund is a way for corporations to put aside money at specific intervals in order to pay a bond or a debt that will be due at a later date. You can use this same strategy to achieve your goals or pay for expenses that aren’t due on a monthly basis. By planning…
Read MoreNew Years Anti-Resolutions for 2020
I’m going to suggest something a little radical for the new year and the new decade, 2020. Instead of focusing on a new year’s resolutions, consider listing the things you are going to stop doing. Ideally, these should be self-sabotaging habits and behaviors that prevent you from achieving your goals. Here are a few ideas…
Read MoreHow much should I save if I’m in debt?
How much should I save monthly if I am in debt? Or what percentage of my income should I save if I am in debt? Submitted by LaTisha V. When we have debt, our priorities can change completely. To start, we have to remember that not paying our debt will negatively impact our credit history…
Read More5 Tips to Stay Out of Debt on Black Friday
Your No-Debt Black Friday Survival Guide As a veteran, I often get eye rolls from my kids when I use military analogies to describe events. But as a financial coach, I can’t help but see Black Friday as an epic battle. You’re knee-deep in the trenches of holiday shopping goals and you’re experiencing the rapid…
Read More6 Steps to Create the Perfect Budget
The key to creating a budget is finding what works to help you manage your money. Many budgeting tools exist, but you need to find what works for you. Managing your money is about choices – choosing how to earn, spend, save, and keep track of your money. A personalized, realistic budget can help you…
Read More5 Reasons Why You Can’t Stick to Your Budget and How to Fix It
For years, I struggled to budget. I was frustrated that I was following all the budgeting rules but still coming up short. After carefully looking at my spending over a few months, I realized I was making several budgeting mistakes. Once I corrected the errors, I was able to stick to a budget that helped…
Read MoreShould I Rent or Buy a Home?
Renting versus owning – how to determine which is right for you Choosing whether to own or rent a home is a big decision. The “right” answer for you will be deeply personal, based on a few key considerations that we will explore below. 1. Examine your personal values A good place to start is…
Read MoreGrab a Friend! Social Strategies to Help You Save
There is strength in numbers! This is especially true when you’re trying to reach your goals and change behaviors. Weight Watchers uses this principle to support healthy eating, and Alcoholics Anonymous uses it to encourage sober living. Emerging research shows that peer support can increase your confidence and sense of control. Social support also makes…
Read MoreHow much income is enough?
How much income is enough? Submitted by Charles A. We would all like to know this! What is the income we need to lead a happy life? To find the true answer to this question, let’s take a tour of our personal habits. Enough? For who? Where? With what lifestyle? Will it be enough forever…
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