Changes Ahead: Student Loan Repayment & SNAP Benefit Updates May Impact Your Finances
You were probably inundated this spring with debt ceiling discussions on the news and social media. But what is a debt ceiling, and how does it affect your personal finances? Debt Ceiling Background Put simply, the debt ceiling is the limit of how much the US Treasury can borrow. This limit has been raised many…
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 MoreImportance of Celebrating Savings Successes & Milestones
Celebrations come in many shapes and sizes. We celebrate big special events in our lives like birthdays, new jobs, and weddings. We also have smaller celebrations, like a fist pump after a successful presentation or maybe an ice cream treat to mark the beginning of summer. Celebrations are important. They mark occasions, and those…
Read MoreSummer Bucket List: 7 Tips for Thrifty Travel
Do you have a summertime bucket list? If not, this is a great time to make one. Sit yourself and/or your family down and brainstorm about a special activity each of you would like to do this summer. These can be trips or even some local highlights you want to explore. After you’ve prioritized and…
Read MoreIntentional Spending: What Is It & How Does It Help You?
Mindfulness. Intentionality. Focus. Centering. We often hear these words as tools to help us zoom in on what really matters, be aware of what is going on, and bring some calm to our perspective. Did you know these words can also apply to making a spending plan (budget) and the choices it involves? Because the…
Read MoreHow To Set Achievable Savings Goals Through Major & Bite-Sized Savings Goals
Did you know the simple task of setting a goal improves the likelihood you’ll achieve it? That’s true of savings goals too. But how do you set achievable savings goals? Making a goal specific and measurable and setting a timeframe to achieve a goal allows us to see if we’re on track. Plus, it gives…
Read More401K Break Down: What is a 401K & Why is it Important to My Financial Planning?
Find out how saving for retirement could affect your benefits: How Can People on Government Assistance Save for Retirement? Have you ever noticed how each industry seems to have its own language? Whether talking to your plumber, mechanic, or doctor, there are all kinds of terms each uses that may sound foreign to you. This…
Read More