budget: 5 Ways to Make Saving Fun - 03/01/23 09:16 AM
The minute my spouse starts using all the financial lingo when talking to me about our finances is the minute I’m out. It’s the same mindset when discussing savings, especially when you’re telling me all the things I CAN’T do while we are saving. How boring and unfun. 
 
Instead of being uninterested or discouraged by your savings, try these five ways to make savings a little more fun!

Start a Savings ChallengeA savings challenge can feel more like a game than a responsible adult activity so you’ll be more likely to stick with it. Having a plan to save will also keep you … (0 comments)

budget: 5 Easy Ways Kids Can Be More Generous - 02/15/23 09:06 AM
We all want to raise kids with charitable hearts. But, what are different ways to instill generosity into our kids? 
 
Help your kids learn how to donate and share their things.Most of us (our kids included) have plenty of extra toys, clothing and household items we aren’t using or no longer need. Teach your kids how to discern these items and then take them with you when you donate these items. It is not always easy for kids to give away their personal things. Continue to do this often in your house so that your kids get better at this practice.
 
Another great … (3 comments)

budget: Why Tracking Your Spending Is Important - 02/01/23 09:28 AM
Spending money without a system to monitor your expenses is an easy way to go broke. Although budgeting is a smart financial practice, a budget is rendered useless if your spending isn’t being monitored. Tracking your spending habits gives you control over your finances and is extremely beneficial especially if your goal is to save money.
Here are the top five reasons why tracking your spending is important:
Helps You Remain Within Your Budget Reveals Poor Spending Habits Helps You Achieve Financial Goals Decreases Debt Improves financial security Helps You Remain Within Your Budget
Anyone who has a budget should be tracking their … (8 comments)

budget: 5 Ways to Cut Costs for your Family in 2023 - 01/18/23 10:47 AM
Whether you have had some unexpected expenses arise or you have tightened your budget, your bank account will appreciate these cost cutting approaches your family can implement today. 
 
Meal PlanEating at home is simply more cost-effective than eating out at a restaurant. Busy lives and hectic schedules can make eating at home a challenge and getting take-out can seem so much easier. Use these tips to successfully plan and eat meals at home.
Pack lunches the night before. This will eliminate skipping this step in the morning rush. Go ahead and make your coffee the night before and set your timer. You … (3 comments)

budget: Deciding on the Right Budget For You - 11/08/22 09:06 AM
Budgeting is HARD. We've got so many things coming at us that it's hard to keep things straight when it comes to where our money is going. 
But today, I'd like to help you simplify it! We've got four different free templates. While each budget is slightly different, they'll all help you simplify your finances and save more money. 
And who couldn't use a little bit more of that coming into the holidays?!
Which Budget Is Right For You?The 70 20 10 Budget
Next, the 70 20 10 budget includes 70% for both needs and wants, 20% for savings, and 10% for debts or donations. … (0 comments)

budget: The Easiest Ways to Help You Budget (And Stay on Track) - 11/01/22 11:45 AM
I used to say things that I didn't follow through on often. And this included saving and making money.
"We're going to save 20% of our income." Well darn, that didn't happen.
"I'm going to make an extra $300 a month." Hmm, maybe I'll just set that goal again later when life isn't so hard....
Eventually, I realized that I needed to ditch the empty promises and make real progress. But how?
Well, first you need a plan. That's where our free 50 30 20 budget template comes in. It helps you divide your monthly income into concrete categories.
Then you need...
Accountability.
There are different ways to … (0 comments)

budget: How to Build a Better Budget - 08/19/22 08:35 AM
We all have dreams of exciting vacations, worry-free days, and plenty of money. But, to get there it takes one sometimes boring thing: a budget.
So, today we're exploring how to create a budget that works for you!
Here are 5 small steps that lead to budgeting (and eventually financial) success:
1. Evaluate your budget categories
Before you can start, you must divide your budget into the spending categories you need every month. Visit this big list of budget expense categories to help you decide.
2. Record your monthly income
Count what you make from work, but also write down side hustles, bonuses, and investments that you … (4 comments)

budget: How to Eat Well When Money is Tight - 03/09/20 10:49 AM
As I write this, the country is faced with much uncertainty.
 
The Coronavirus is spreading. The stock market is sinking, and fear is growing. And yet, it's times like these that we should take control of what we can. It's a waste of energy to worry about the rest. 
At my house, that means we'll continue to eat good healthy food, while tightening our purse strings a bit. 
So here are three ways to eat well while keeping a close eye on what you spend.
 
1. Watch What You Waste
According to the American Chemistry Council, the average American throws out $640 worth of food every … (3 comments)