6 Hidden Costs When Buying a New or Used Car
When you think about big financial purchases, one thing that typically comes to mind is buying a car. Whether you’re buying a car new or used, there may be associated costs you haven’t considered. These additional costs can be considered hidden costs of buying a car. Whether the car is new or used, it’s important…
Read MoreHow to Get Childcare Assistance and Build Care Costs into Your Budget
One of the largest expenses parents may face, especially during the first few years of their child’s life, is childcare. According to Illumine, the average cost of childcare in the US is $14,760 per year. While this cost does vary from state to state, it’s clear that the cost to cover childcare can put a…
Read MoreHow and Why You Should Price Comparison Shop Utilities
Whether you rent or own your home, a large portion of your monthly housing budget probably goes toward paying your utilities. Utility bills like electricity, natural gas, water, sewer, trash, streaming services, and internet and phone bills, on average, cost Americans roughly $500 a month, according to a study by Move.com. These expenses can add…
Read MoreWhat to do When You Get Behind Paying Utilities Like Your Electric and Water Bill
Sometimes, keeping up with all our financial obligations is a struggle. With such high inflation, our money doesn’t go as far as it used to, and it can be a challenge to stay on track financially. In fact, in 2022, one in six Americans were behind on their utility bills. If you find yourself behind…
Read MoreHow to Get Ahead Paying Bills and Buying Common Household Items
Most Americans live paycheck to paycheck, according to Lending Tree. This means that many of us are putting to work all the money we earn in a month, and very little, if any, is left over. Living paycheck to paycheck can make it feel like you’ll never get ahead with your finances. Living paycheck to…
Read More12 Costs to Budget for When Adopting a Pet
Are you thinking about getting a pet to share your days and brighten your home? If so, you’re not alone. According to the ASPCA, 4.1 million dogs and cats are adopted each year in the US. Adopting a pet can be exciting. But pets also come with responsibilities. These responsibilities can impact your budget and…
Read MoreTop 10 Household Expenses to Consider When Creating Your Family Budget
The largest chunk of a family’s budget typically goes toward housing and household expenses, according to QuickBooks. Covering such big costs every month can be overwhelming, but building a solid budget for your household expenses can help you feel prepared and less stressed. Average Household Expenses In 2023, housing is the largest expense most families…
Read MoreCheap Date Night Ideas for Couples on a Budget
A lot of people ask if it’s possible to get out and have fun as a couple when you’re watching your spending and prioritizing saving and debt payoff. The answer is, “Yes!” It may take a different approach to date night, but trying new things together is worth the extra planning. First, check out your…
Read More4 Thrifty Tips to Treat Yourself When You’re on a Budget
Are you concerned that living on a budget means there’s no room for special treats? Having a plan and goals for our money often means reducing overspending, so we can achieve stable finances and security. However, there are ways to treat yourself even when on a budget. Here are some tips for how to treat…
Read MoreFun, Frugal & Budget-Friendly Family Activities
Having fun with the family is a must, but how can you do that on a budget? We’re sharing engaging and memorable ideas for having family fun while going easy on your wallet. 1. Focus on the important things about family activities. The important things about family activities are: Spending quality time together Sharing an…
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