Young professionals are learning about the “real world” – which means it’s their first time budgeting! If you budget your money well, your early twenties can be less stressful. To make a budget, first start off with your after-tax income. Then divide it between three...
Most of us look back on our college years with fond memories. Among the things we take with us are – our degree, a few favorite t-shirts, and student loans! If your plan is to pay off your loans early, here are some tips to help: Begin repayment during the six-month...
There’s a long list of advice I wish I could give my younger self, especially when it comes to saving money. The first thing I would tell myself is that with my first job to put a minimum of 10-percent per paycheck into a savings account. The weeks will go by, and...
The money you save for a “rainy day” can be “depleted” in only ONE of life’s storms. So, how do you recover? Deep breath… Assess your bills and income – and rework your budget to live very modestly for at least a year. Jumpstart your savings by moving in with family...
If you’ve always wanted to fix up your backyard and make it your own private oasis, now is the perfect time to get to work. Let’s say you want a pool, but don’t want to cough up the cash for it. Consider a stock tank pool! These are inexpensive DIY above-ground pools...
One of the most exciting parts about starting college is having your own space that you can furnish however you want! Dorm decorating can get expensive though, so it’s best to start off by taking inventory of the things you already have. Storage is of the utmost...
A week-long vacation may not be an option this year, but you can still have fun in your hometown with a staycation! Make the most of your time off by doing something just for you, that brings a smile to your face. Treat yourself to a nice home-cooked dinner, maybe...
One of the best financial habits we can practice is pinching pennies. Identifying opportunities to save doesn’t mean you have to go without – it simply means you’re strategic before making a purchase. There are numerous places to find discounts on anything you buy –...
Your monthly bank statements provide a range of information about your account. Whether you receive your statement by mail or as an e.Statement, it’s important to review your statement each month to confirm you and your bank are aligned on the transactions that took...
Vacation season will be here soon! Stretch your budget by choosing to drive vs fly; consider alternative housing options; and pack your own snacks and drinks. Find hidden and less expensive gems by asking the locals where they eat and enjoy entertainment – rather than...
Whether your garden is in your yard, patio, or on your windowsill – gardening can help you stay in touch with nature, reduce stress, save money and improve your health. Before you plant your seeds, take some time and watch the sun and learn which parts of your...
Valentine’s Day is a wonderful time to show your special someone just how much you care for them, but between flowers, chocolates, jewelry, and dinner out on the town, the costs for showing your love can add up fast. One way to curb the costs are to celebrate...
During the winter months it’s important to keep track of your vehicle’s tire pressure and tread. Your tires can lose up to one pound of pressure per square inch with every 10 degree drop in the air’s temperature. Driving around with low tires can lead to higher...
There are hundreds of ways to consume media, from television and movies to podcasts and internet streaming videos – all of which are fighting for your attention. In the modern era of microtargeting, there are more and more avenues to consume media, and the questions...