Take control of your finances with budgeting tips, spending strategies, and everyday money management tools. Whether you’re saving more, spending less, or setting new goals, this section helps you build a solid financial life.
One of the happiest times in a couple’s life is joining together in holy matrimony. As you settle in your life together, one of the decisions you’ll have to make it whether to have separate or joint bank accounts. There are pros and cons to each, so think through the options. Joint accounts With a … Read more
Graduation, birthday, wedding, Christmas are all occasions when you’re likely to receive gifts and what better gift than cash. With cash you can buy whatever you like and possibly an even better gift than the giver would have purchased in the first place. While you may be inclined to blow the cash on electronics, clothes, … Read more
Do you often find that you run out of money before your next payday comes? Feel like your money should stretch further than it actually does? Do you frequently overdraft your checking account? If you make enough money to cover your living expenses, but you’re continually broke, you may be wasting money, you know, spending … Read more
We know that saving money should be on everyone’s list of financial priorities, yet not many of us are actually saving money. The national personal savings rate as a percentage of disposable income in March 2013 was only 2.7%, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Economic Analysis. That means Americans only saved … Read more
Growing up, we’re repeatedly told, “Mother knows best,” but people don’t believe that’s true in all situations. In a recent survey from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, a majority of respondents answered negatively about their mother’s personal finance skills. 21% said their mom was intimidated by financial matters and avoided them 26% said their … Read more
The wedding industry is booming. In 2012, the average wedding cost $25,656, MarketWatch.com cites The Wedding Report. Much focus is placed on helping the bride and groom save on the money spent on their big day, but it’s not just the brides and grooms shelling out cash. Wedding party and attendees also spend several hundred, … Read more
Last week, Earth Day was celebrated by more than a billion people across 190 countries, the Energy Department reported. First started in 1970 to encourage environmental reform, Earth Day is a time for each of us to take steps to protect the planet’s natural resources so they will be available for future generations. And as … Read more
Some surprises are welcome: a surprise birthday present, a surprise engagement, a surprise job promotion. However, when it comes to your finances, surprises are typically not appreciated. Avoid many surprises by staying in the know with your own money. Read your mail. Banks and other businesses will typically send account notifications to you by mail. … Read more
A recent survey from the NFCC reveals the top financial concerns of consumers: saving money, not having or affording health insurance, making debt obligations, credit score concerns, fear of job loss. There are definitely a lot of pieces that fit in the personal finance puzzle and fitting them together is key to completing your financial … Read more
The National Foundation of Credit Counseling and the Network Branded Prepaid Card Association surveyed American consumers about their financial concerns and 57% answered that they’re worried about their savings. Slightly more of respondents were worried about having an emergency fund than a retirement. Both are important, but the consequences of not having an adequate emergency … Read more
