Personal Computer: Buy New or Repair?
You might wonder why an article about computer purchasing at a financial planning website. However, in the last 30 years your personal budget for electronic, such as laptops, smart phones, tablets and e-readers has probably expanded a lot; good decision-making is important.
How to Save Money with Lower Gas Prices in 2015
Gasoline has dropped about $1.50 a gallon According to AAA the national average price of gas is $2.17 (1/9/15) per gallon, for regular. Gas Buddy reports that the highest average price in 2014 was about 3.70 in April. This $1.53 per gallon drop can mean a few extra thousand dollars in your pocket this year. These… Read More »
How to Budget Easily with Mint.com
How to Use Mint To Create and Follow a Budget Preface: There are three basic tools to design a budget and to track spending. You can use an Excel spreadsheet, a free online app like Mint, or one you purchase like YouNeedaBudget.com, also known as YNAB. Many people ask me should if they should use Mint… Read More »
Financial News and Articles from the Web – Dec
Important and Interesting Financial News and Articles from the Web – Dec New homes built with solar panels, trend to help reduce energy costs SEC MLM warning; says to be aware of internet fraudulent multi-level marketing schemes 16 Rules for Investors to Live By – The Wall Street Journal 16 Rules for Investors to Live By Need a… Read More »
Part 2: What is a Budget? and How to Start a Budget
What is a budget? Simply put, a budget is a monthly spending plan for your money. Budgeting made simple, fixed versus variable expenses: Even more simply put, it is a spending plan for your expenses that are not fixed. Fixed expenses are things that stay the same each month. For example, your rent and mortgage… Read More »
Part 1: Why You Should Have a Budget
Cash flow management is especially important today as Americans are saving less and are further in debt than at any other time in our history. Let us explore why you should have a budget. The number of people that have and follow a budget is only about 33% of people today in the U.S. Cash Flow Management… Read More »
The Whys and Hows of Budgeting
In this article I will answer these important cash flow planning questions: Why don’t people budget? Why should people want to budget? What will happen if they do? How to get started easily? Why don’t people budget? It is because you (don’t fear, we have tips below to help you overcome your resistance): Don’t want to: You know it… Read More »
March Money Madness, Who Wins?
And you thought March Madness was only about basketball! March is a mad month for money, particularly this March, because the month is full of extra money but also of extra challenges–more than most months. Jon White tweeted last week about #2 below and it got me thinking. Thank you, Jon, financial coach and blogger… Read More »
Budgeting For Extra Charitable Donations
Here is a cool idea, consider adding a new category to your monthly budget for ‘special giving.’ While doing some budget planning with the program we use; YNAB, or You Need a Budget, I noticed for some months throughout the year, we gave to various causes. This was in addition to our regular giving. This got me… Read More »
Austerity- Rarely Used, but Great Word
Merriam-Webster named Austerity as the word of the year in 2010, but these days it isn’t a word we use often. Dictionary.com defines it as 1. austere quality; severity of manner, life, etc.; sternness. 2. Usually, austerities. ascetic practices: austerities of monastery life. 3. strict economy. I like the definition of Financial Austerity from Wikipedia: is a… Read More »
