Master your money. Get organized. Take back your time.
Congrats! You’ve got yourself a mini windfall!
You’ve landed yourself a nice tax refund, a sweet bonus, or some other cash deposit coming your way.
So what now?
While it can be tempting to spend that pile of cash, you can actually use it to make some impressive changes in your family’s finances! If you want to maximize the benefit of your new cash — without feeling like you’re on a strict money diet — here are some smart things to do with your tax refund: [Read more…]
Your year is powerful.
I firmly believe that — with the right tools, motivation, and action plan — a person can accomplish amazing things in a single year.
And that feeling you get when starting out? When you embark on a new journey with resolve and enthusiasm, you know you have the chance to make real, positive changes that can last a lifetime.
In a single year, you can master and transform your money.
No matter where you are on your journey to financial health and security. No matter what setbacks you’ve had. No matter what obstacles lie ahead.
You can improve your finances, making incredible strides in a single year.
These 11 steps offer a path to establishing strength and security with your family’s finances. Maybe you’ve already tackled some of them! Or maybe you’re just starting out.
Either way, jump in and make this the year that you create peace of mind and financial health for yourself and your loved ones.
When it comes to your credit card debt, you have much more power than you probably realize.
You already know your card’s interest rate plays a major rule in how quickly your debt adds up . . . and how soon you’ll be free of it. But did you know that the interest rate you’ve got isn’t necessarily the rate that you’re stuck with?
Here’s a little-known secret: You can actually negotiate your interest rate with your creditor. A poll conducted by CreditCards.com found that only 25% of cardholders contact a credit card issuer to negotiate. But the astounding news is that nearly 70% of those who did landed a lower interest rate!
Best of all, joining that 70% is easier thank you think. Here’s how you can successfully negotiate your own interest rate: [Read more…]
Overspending has never been easier.
In mere seconds from just about anywhere, you can mindlessly type and swipe your way to a pricey online impulse buy. And, surprisingly, overwhelming living expenses aren’t typically to blame for overdoing it with your wallet.
One NerdWallet study found that one in two Americans overspend not out of necessity but for emotional reasons like stress, excitement, and sadness. And the numbers are even greater for younger generations, with two out of three millennials admitting to emotional overspending.
Self-awareness is the first step in avoiding overspending that’s driving you into debt. And if you’ve already taken the time to tidy up your money mindset, you’re well on your way.
But there’s more you can do.
As you know, countless Americans are currently on a mission to declutter their lives and organize their homes, Marie Kondo style. But what if you could tidy up your spending?
Check out these top tips for cleaning up your spending habits: [Read more…]
You know that a budget is invaluable for sticking to your money goals. And a great financial plan can help you prioritize those goals, manage your debts, and focus your money where it matters.
But living on a budget is sometimes easier said than done. And 6 common problems routinely trip up people with good financial intentions.
Ready to troubleshoot your pain points? If you’re struggling to figure out how to stick to a budget, these solutions are just what you need. [Read more…]
Tracking your credit score is easier than ever. An increasing number of lenders provide their clients with unlimited, free access to credit scores.
But being able to watch your score so closely over time means that you may notice something unsettling — bumps and dips in that all-important number. So what’s going on from month to month? Why has your credit score dropped?
And, more importantly, should you be worried? [Read more…]
Co-signing a loan can saddle you with some surprising — and unpleasant — consequences.
When a friend or family member asks you to co-sign a loan, it doesn’t seem like a big deal. You’re just helping out a loved one, right?
But co-signing a loan comes with serious, often hidden risks to your finances and your relationships. Here are some things to consider before you agree to lend a hand. [Read more…]
Note: This post contains affiliate links. Read my policy here.
With Christmas right around the corner, you may be searching for that perfect gift for the special people in your life. (Or you may be looking to treat yourself to a surprise from Santa!)
Either way, if your gift recipient loves being on top of her finances — or wishes that she were! — this holiday gift guide has got you covered with awesome, budget-friendly presents.
Who doesn’t love free money???
It’s so tempting to jump on the opportunity to rake in dollar bills by signing up for cash-back credit card. However, before you apply for one, it’s important to understand how these cards work and determine which one, if any, is right for you.
This guide will not only answer those questions but will also help you get the most bang for your buck with a smart cash-back credit card strategy.
Remember that college course you had to take about managing your credit? No? Don’t worry, you didn’t miss it.
And you probably never attended a seminar on one of the most important and frequently misunderstood areas of finance, either — your credit.
So it’s no surprise that some people struggle with understanding and managing their developing credit histories. In fact, a recent LendEDU survey found that only 25% of millennials could correctly define what a credit score is, and only 17% knew one of the best ways to improve their score.
Today, it’s time to set the record straight.
Here’s the scoop on what really makes a difference when it comes to your credit and the low-down on how you can take control of your financial destiny with a few easy strategies.
