Finance Globe

U.S. financial and economic topics from several finance writers.

Can you Shave Money from these Three Budget Categories?

Can you Shave Money from these Three Budget Categories?
Your budget is sure to have both fixed and variable expenses. For example, your mortgage (or rent) and car payment are fixed. They don’t change from month to month. Conversely, there are variable expenses that jump up and down on a monthly basis. Your goal is simple: to shave as much money as possible from these budget categories. By doing so, you will soon find yourself with the ability to save more. Where should you start?...
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Frank
Great information Chris. I would also 3 additional categories you may be able to reduce your expenses: 1. Heat/cooling: In the wi... Read More
Thursday, 05 November 2015 13:45
Finance Globe
Good post Chris, for those without too much discipline: 1. Set up a fixed monthly transfer into another bank account with no fees... Read More
Thursday, 05 November 2015 13:47
Frank
I love that analysis above. This really shows the affect of compounding interest. If you start young, and have a long time horizon... Read More
Monday, 09 November 2015 14:14
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You Can't Afford to Ignore These Financial Details

You Can't Afford to Ignore These Financial Details
If you’re a big picture type of person, certain details of your finances can easily slip through the cracks. While it’s important to watch the bottom line, it’s equally important to pay attention to all the items that contribute to the bottom line, too. Here are some financial details you can’t afford to ignore. How much you spent this month. Continually monitoring your spending is key to ensuring you’re staying within your budget and not spending...
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Frank
I would say the 2 most important here are (1) whether your budget still balances out, and (2) how your investments are performing.... Read More
Monday, 02 November 2015 14:35
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Have you Reached these Common Financial Goals for 2015?

Have you Reached these Common Financial Goals for 2015?
With October coming to a close, it won’t be long before the calendar is turning. At that point, you will look back at 2015 and ask yourself this one very important question: did you reach your financial goals? While some people have met their goals early, others are left with a couple months to make progress. Where do you fit in? Here are some of the most common financial goals, many of which may be on...
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Frank
Great insight Chris. On evaluating your financial goals, you always need to ask yourself why or why did you not reach those goals?... Read More
Monday, 26 October 2015 10:27
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3 Ways to Prepare for the Holiday Shopping Season

3 Ways to Prepare for the Holiday Shopping Season
This topic comes up year in and year out, however, many people continue to make mistakes during the holiday shopping season. It’s not that they don’t have fun. Here is the problem: they neglect to take the right steps regarding their budget, shopping list, and overall approach. If you have run into issues in the past, if you want to avoid a similar fate this year, there are a few things you can do to get...
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Frank
Setting a budget for a holiday shopping season is very difficult to do. You want to provide great gifts for your family and friend... Read More
Wednesday, 21 October 2015 16:21
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Top Benefits of Paying Bills Online

Top Benefits of Paying Bills Online
Go back in time a couple decades and nobody was paying their bills online. Instead, the only option was to send a check at the appropriate time of the month. While this is still a way of life for many, others are taking full advantage of technology. There are many benefits associated with paying bills online. If you have avoided this in the past, the following points may be enough to push you in this direction...
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Frank
I would completely agree with everything you said Chris. I would also add. 1. Record keeping – Paying online will store your payme... Read More
Thursday, 15 October 2015 09:03
Finance Globe
Totally agree. If a utility company doesn't allow online bill pay, then auto-draft is the next best option. My garbage company doe... Read More
Friday, 16 October 2015 02:19
Wanderer
This option took me awhile to build up the trust for automated systems (two years) but today, only way. Love auto-pay (at least th... Read More
Friday, 16 October 2015 05:57
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3 Ways to Save Money on Vehicle Maintenance

3 Ways to Save Money on Vehicle Maintenance
If you own a car, you know one thing to be true: you must stay on top of regularly scheduled maintenance if you want it to remain in good working condition. The problem with this is that vehicle maintenance is not always cheap. If you are looking for ways to save on this expense, there are three simple options to consider: 1. Do it yourself. Even if you don’t know much about vehicle maintenance, you may...
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Finance Globe
Nice post Chris, I'm not an expert, but the first place I usually go to for a check engine light is Auto Zone or Advanced Auto Pa... Read More
Wednesday, 14 October 2015 12:19
Frank
That is a great recommendation. I actually did that last week, and the issue was an $8 part. If I would have taken it to an auto r... Read More
Thursday, 15 October 2015 09:00
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3 Ways a Budgeting Spreadsheet Improves Efficiency

3 Ways a Budgeting Spreadsheet Improves Efficiency
No matter how you look at it, a budget is extremely important. This keeps you on track, day in and day out, regardless of your income and expenses. While some people prefer the old fashion method of a “pencil and paper” budget, others have come to realize the benefits of creating a spreadsheet. It may take a little bit of time to setup a spreadsheet that suits your situation, but in the end it will bring...
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Frank
Spreadsheets are by far the absolute best tool to use for budgeting. Excel is the most common, but I know there are several other ... Read More
Sunday, 11 October 2015 09:48
Frank
If anyone needs any recommendations on some great templates to use for budgeting, please feel free to reach out to me, and I will ... Read More
Monday, 12 October 2015 10:55
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5 Signs Your Income Isn't Enough and What to Do About It

5 Signs Your Income Isn't Enough and What to Do About It
You sense something’s wrong with your finances because you never seem to have enough money. Here are a few signs the problem is that you’re not making enough money. You already broke within a few days of getting paid. If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, or worse ending up broke before payday rolls around again, you may not be making enough money. You have to dip into savings to make ends meet. That’s if you still...
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Frank
This is a problem so many people are facing today, and just ignoring the problem will only make it worse. If you feel like you are... Read More
Thursday, 01 October 2015 18:55
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Save on Your Heating Costs

Save on Your Heating Costs
Cooler weather may be a welcome change from the summer's heat, but it won't be long before you'll need to crank up your home's heating system. Now is the time to get prepared and check that everything is working properly so you'll be cozy at home when it turns cold outside. Maximize your heating system's efficiency. Vacuum your air vents, clean or replace your furnace filter every month, and clear debris such as leaves, dirt, and grass...
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Frank
Great information Mary. I would also add: 1) Add blankets to the bed 2)Using your ceiling fan. Many people think fans only cool d... Read More
Tuesday, 29 September 2015 10:28
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These 3 Monthly Expenses are Breaking Your Budget

These 3 Monthly Expenses are Breaking Your Budget
When you review your budget at the end of the month, there is nothing more exciting than realizing that you reached all your goals. Conversely, it can be frustrating to find yourself spending more than you wanted to. If you continually overspend, the best thing you can do is pinpoint where the problem is coming into play. Once you review your budget, it won’t be long before you have a clear idea of where you need...
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Frank
3 ways to limit your expenses with the 3 categories Chris described: 1. Trips to the home improvement store: Map out and research ... Read More
Thursday, 10 September 2015 13:17
ChrisB
Great advice, Frank. You hit the nail on the head with this advice.
Friday, 11 September 2015 08:42
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