What financial conversations should my partner and I have before moving in together or getting married?
My experience talking about finances with my wife Back in the early 90s when I was first seriously dating, the only thing I could think to ask my future wife was, “Do you love me?” At no time during the wooing process did we discuss money or finances at all. We had no money, jobs,…
Read MoreHow to track and trim your subscription costs
The subscription industry is huge in our world today! The average person spent $237.33/month on subscription services in 2018. These services include internet, cell phone coverage, streaming services for video and music, food delivery, health and fitness apps, and more. With the vast number of subscriptions you can sign up for and the large portion…
Read MoreSix Activities to Keep Your Kids Engaged at Home that Won’t Break the Bank
These times are completely unprecedented. Stay at home orders and school closures have us all spending more time at home. And for many, this time also means more time entertaining and educating kids at home, and often on a budget. As the time at home has stretched from days to weeks, people are looking for…
Read MoreHow much of my income should I save?
Financial experts recommend that you save at least ten percent of your take-home income (after taxes have been deducted). But what’s more important than the amount you save is getting into a habit of saving based on your personal goals and what’s realistic for you. To determine what makes sense for you: List and prioritize…
Read More5 Things To Do With Your COVID-19 Stimulus Check
The COVID-19 stimulus checks are starting to arrive in bank accounts and mailboxes. If you’re getting one, you may be wondering what to do with this money. First, I will say that the government is issuing this money to families to help with basic living essentials. We don’t know how long our nation will be…
Read MoreShould I defer payments on my bills?
The pros and cons of deferring payments during the COVID-19 crisis As you look for help to make ends meet, you may be looking at the increasing amount of creditors offering the ability to delay payments. It’s great companies are taking quick action to help with the financial impact of COVID-19. But proceed with caution…
Read MoreWhat to do if you’ve been laid off due to COVID-19
It’s no secret that Americans are worried about having enough money to pay the bills. Employees have been laid off or furloughed in record numbers. The Department of Labor is reporting 17 million layoffs as of April 9, 2020. If you are one of these people, I am so sorry to hear that. It’s hard…
Read More10 Tips for Grocery Shopping on a Budget during COVID-19
1. Plan your meals ahead Create a weekly family menu. Start with what you already have in your refrigerator and cabinets and figure out what extra ingredients you need. 2. Stick with your favorites Stick with basic meals, nothing fancy. This may not be a great time to experiment with new exotic recipes that your…
Read MoreHow 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 More