If you're new to budgeting, you've probably wondered which method you should use. While some (like me) take a detailed route and list all their bills, creditors and activities out, others may find that a bit intimidating or simply just don't have the patience for the detail. To determine if it's the right plan for...
Planning for a Money Emergency
When the economy is shaky and you're worried about losing a job, it's scary. Maybe you're a government employee and you're facing another potential government shutdown. Maybe you see layoffs coming at work. Whatever the case, it feels awful. You might lose sleep. That worry in the pit of your stomach just doesn't want to...
Budget Calendar: What is it, and why do you need one?
As working moms, one of the many things we have to keep up with is the family schedule, and balancing that with events and deadlines at work. From doctors’ appointments to haircuts, soccer practice and scouts, it’s all about making sure the family is where they need to be, and at the right time. A...
How to stop buying lunch at work
Figuring out how to avoid buying lunch at work can help you save money, big time. Check out these tips I've used to successfully tame the budget.
How to do a Spending Freeze
What's a spending freeze? Have you heard of a spending freeze? It's a period of time, usually a couple of weeks or even a month, where you only focus on funding your "needs." In other words, you still pay your bills, buy groceries to feed the family and take care of any medical needs. But...
Your Holiday Gift Guide
Black Friday is upon us, and because Thanksgiving came so late this year, there are only four weeks until Christmas. If you're wondering what to get those hard to buy for people on your list, I've assembled some suggestions that are sure to make them happy. Great gift ideas for anyone on your list- Note:...
Budgeting- Tracking Irregular Expenses
No matter how you track your budget, whether it's on paper, a spreadsheet or in an app, you need to make sure you keep track of irregular expenses - the ones that don't come due every month. Here are a few ways you can make sure those periodic bills get managed - and PAID -...
10 Cheap or Free Date Night Ideas
When was the last time you had a date with your spouse? Like a real date, just the two of you, without the kids under foot or at the same table? Was it within the past month? Within the past three months? Six? Date nights are hugely important in any relationship, especially when you've got...
Avoid Overspending this Holiday- 18 Ways
Now's the perfect time to start thinking about your Christmas, Hanukkah or other holiday spending plan. While it's not Halloween yet, and many of us roll our eyes at the early holiday decorations that are already on store shelves, this is a great time to plan ahead. Have you heard that saying, "when you fail...
Five quick ways to get your budget back on track
Has your budget gone off the rails a bit lately? Don't beat yourself up too badly, because it happens to the best of us. But first, identify your spending pitfalls When you realize your monthly budget has gone sideways, the first thing you should do is sit down and figure out where your money went...