Maximize Your New Salary or Income Increase
There’s a saying about money management that goes something like this: “It’s not what you make. It’s what you do with what you make.” Of course, how much money you make is important. However, what you do with what you make is just as important, because the choices we make today shape our financial future. Here…
Read MoreHow to Recognize and Overcome Emotional Spending
Have you ever had a bad day and used retail therapy to cheer yourself up? Most people have. In fact, 39% of Americans identify as emotional spenders, or people who spend more to cope with life’s highs and lows, according to a study by Credit Karma. The numbers are even higher for Millennials at 52%…
Read More7 Strategies to Stay Positive on a Tight Budget
In June of 2023, 61% of adults in the US reported they were living paycheck to paycheck. This means over half of adults in the US spend the money they earn each month. If you find yourself living paycheck to paycheck, it may feel like your budget doesn’t have any wiggle room. When your budget…
Read MoreThe Best Ways to Defeat Doubt and Depression Due to Debt
American household debt hit a record $16.9 trillion at the end of 2022, according to Debt.com. And in 2022, it was estimated that just below 10% of the average American household’s income went to paying down debts. Seeing these numbers, it’s easy to understand why Americans feel overwhelmed by their debt. If you find yourself…
Read More7 Money Habits That’ll Help You Stop Stressing Your Savings
Saving money is something we all know we should be doing. But it can often be hard to start and sustain a savings habit, especially if you don’t know where to start or how to stay the course. And this can cause considerable unnecessary financial stress that stops you from getting started. But there are…
Read MoreMoney & Mental Health: 6 Secrets to Spot Financial Anxiety Symptoms
Money can be one of the biggest stressors in life. And at some point, each of us will feel money stress. In fact, according to a survey by Thrive Global, 90% of individuals surveyed said money has an impact on their stress levels. Sometimes, stress around money is tied to an emergency or event that…
Read More6 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 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 More