This year we made some changes to our usual Christmas routine. Typically we vacation for Christmas because I prefer to build memories and experiences for my family, rather than generating a pile of plastic toys that will get tossed, donated, or sold within the next year. This year, we decided to do traditional gifts. Plus, […]
Five Tips To Save Money On Clothes
You already know the basics on how to save money on clothes with tips like sell your old clothes and shop at thrift stores. While useful, they don’t help you look stylish AND save money. Here are seven surprising and clever tips that will have you dressing for less while looking your best. 1. The […]
Social Media and How It Influences My Finances
How To Spot A Counterfeit Bill And What To Do
My (New) Favorite Budgeting Software
I’ve used everything from excel spreadsheets to budget planners designed by personal finance bloggers to planners designed by myself to (embarrassingly) nothing at all. What is the best tool? I’m sure you would agree, nothing at all is NOT the option to choose. Budgeting Tools I’ve Used I’ve always leaned toward a paper planner. There’s […]
How To Be A Better Negotiater
Today, I attended a conference held by The Inspiration Lab. It was a fantastic conference, and one speaker, in particular, captured my attention. Nicole Homes from GE Power presented on the topic of negotiation. It got me thinking about how much I avoid negotiation in my life. I have consciously overpaid on everything from cars […]
The Top Three Reasons You Should Have An HSA
Today I was sitting in on a benefits presentation for a client of mine. The ADP representative was presenting the different health plans available for the employees to choose from during open enrollment. The last plan she presented included an HSA, which the employer would contribute over $100 a month. As I looked around the […]
Seven of the Best Things to Buy in November (Plus One Thing To Skip)
Thanksgiving is around the corner. And peeking out behind Thanksgiving is the trifecta of November sales: Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. To help you make the most of your budget, I’ve created a list of the seven best things to buy in November. Seven Things To Buy In November (And One Not […]
5 Tips for Last Minute Halloween Costume Ideas
Hallo Halloween is next week. Your best friend just committed you to a party on Friday. You’ve got no idea what your costume will be and you’re strapped for time. Plus, Halloween wasn’t in the budget this month. You need help with some last minute Halloween costume ideas. Here are five tips and tricks to […]
Advantages and Limitations to Budgeting
Are you an A+ budgeter that knows exactly where every dollar goes? Or are you more of a free spirit who doesn’t like the restrictions of a budget. Truth-be-told, I sit perfectly in the middle of both scenarios – I possess qualities from both personalities. However, given the critical role a budget plays in meeting […]