What is a Health Savings Account and Should I Open One?
If you have a High Deductible Health Plan for your health insurance, then you are eligible for a Health Savings Account (HSA). You can use HSA funds to pay for qualified medical expenses. These expenses can be incurred by you, your spouse, or any dependents listed on your tax return. There is no need to…
Read MoreHow to Make a Budget for Your Family During COVID-19
“How can you budget your money when you have the same amount coming in as you did before, but now you have everyone at home using more electricity, gas, and water and eating more food?” Submitted by Kelly B. A budget is nothing more than deciding how you will spend money before you get it.…
Read MoreWhat are the biggest money sinks that people can cut out of their lives to save more?
Many people don’t even realize that they have a money sink, much less what their money sinks are. We are so heavily marketed to and conditioned to spend in America. Using a debit or credit card feels so removed from real money that it doesn’t even feel like spending. It’s easy to spend without paying…
Read MoreHow do I know what is a “need” and what is a “want”?
Just seeing the word “budget” can give some people a headache. Instead of reaching for a bottle of aspirin, I suggest changing the way you think of a budget. A budget is a tool that helps you use money so that you reach your goals. You control what you spend money on and how much…
Read MoreWhat 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 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…
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