How 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 MoreHow to Negotiate Your Lease & Adjust Your Budget When Your Rent Goes Up
Raise your hand if you rent your house or apartment! If you do, you’re not alone. According to a Pew Research Study, in 2019 36% of Americans rented their homes. Renting is a great housing option for many people. It can allow flexibility if you aren’t sure how long you’re staying in an area. It can…
Read MoreChanges 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…
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