SMART Goals Can Help You Achieve Your Dreams
Think about something that you want to accomplish in the future, like paying off credit card debt or student loans. Have you set a goal that will help you get there, or is it just something that you hope will happen? There is nothing wrong with hoping, as long as it is not your final…
Read More“Pay Yourself First” – Your Savings Mantra
Focus on You. Pay Yourself First. Have you ever thought, “I’ll pay all of my bills and save what’s left”? Well, how much was left? When we wait to save until the end of the month, we usually learn that we have more month than money and there is nothing left. We challenge you to…
Read MoreWomen Run the (Financial) World
Financial Tips for Women Beyoncé had it right. Girls run the world; she just left out the word “financial.” With Women’s History Month coming to an end, I could think of nothing better than to create a piece for women by a woman. Why would I want to do this? Women have been paving the…
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 MoreMake a Powerful Plan for Your Tax Refund & Stimulus Check
We are in the thick of tax season, and the House recently approved a new stimulus bill. This is great news for many people, especially considering the average tax refund is around $2,500, and the expected stimulus check for a four-person household is up to $5,600. If you missed a previous stimulus payment, filing taxes…
Read More5 Steps to Get on Track if You’re Living Paycheck to Paycheck
Do you find yourself falling behind and not able to live within your means? If you’re not sure if you’re living beyond your means, check out my recent article where I help you figure out if you need to make some changes. Here are some solutions to help you live within your means and improve…
Read MoreDo I Need to Adjust My Spending? 5 Signs You’re Living Beyond Your Means
In a time of “buy now pay later,” it’s easy to fall into spending habits that lead to debt. We don’t even need to leave our homes to make large purchases, making reckless purchasing even easier. Here are five warning signs that you may be living beyond your means: 1. You Aren’t Saving At Least…
Read MoreHow Distinguishing Between Needs and Wants Can Help You Build a Better Budget
In order to create a budget that not only works, but that you can thrive on, it helps to consider your needs and wants. It can be hard initially to see any of your spending as a want because you can’t see your life without it. But if you take a step back and evaluate…
Read MoreHow to Balance Long-Term and Short-Term Savings Goals
We all know it’s important to save money. But how do you balance saving towards both your short-term and your long-term goals? I recommend creating a savings plan that takes your budget, goals, and timeframe into consideration. This can help you be successful in saving in both the short and long-term. Define Your Goals First,…
Read MoreHow to Re-Imagine Your Disposable Income During a Recession
The biggest threat to your finances during a recession is a reduction or loss of income. Seemingly disposable income now may be a lifeline to keep you from eviction, foreclosure, or repossession. So if you’re doing okay right now, it’s a good time to fortify your financial foundation. If anything in your financial picture changes,…
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