Six 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…
Read More10 Tips for Grocery Shopping on a Budget during COVID-19
COVID-19 has wreaked havoc in all of our lives, disrupting our normal way of living. Many of you may have been laid off, or have severely reduced work hours as a result, yet you still have to maintain your homes and feed your families. One of the basic necessities that will continue is food. I…
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 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 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…
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