Budgeting

Managing to pay your rent each month is not the same as being able to afford it. The warning signs that your rent is too high for your income can be subtle, from skipping putting money into your emergency fund to feeling stressed.  This quick check is here to help you figure out if you […]

We always say that the best budget is the one you stick to, but not every budget problem shows up in a spreadsheet. Sometimes, your numbers “work,” but your life still feels diminished. But before you throw it all out and start over, take a sec to review what’s worked and what hasn’t. The answers […]

If you’re trying to get out of debt, the first instinct is often to cut back. But slashing your spending doesn’t have to mean saying no to everything you enjoy: You simply need to optimize your purchases.  In this guide, you’ll learn how to find hidden money in your existing expenses without resorting to further […]

You didn’t shop online. You didn’t go on a big vacation. But somehow, your account balance looks like it’s taken a hit. What gives? One of the most overlooked ways people lose progress on their financial goals is passive spending. Passive spending is dangerous because it deals in small purchases. $5 here and there can […]

Trying to budget as a couple can feel like a herculean task, especially when your ideas about financial planning don’t align. It doesn’t mean your relationship is broken — you simply need a shared approach that works for both of you. Zero-based budgeting (ZBB) can actually work well for couples with different money management philosophies, […]

Budgeting can feel like a team sport — but that means if one of the teammates refuses to play, the prospect of winning is zero to none. If you’re the person who’s enthusiastic about tracking your money and working towards something bigger, it can be discouraging to consider playing the game alone.  So how do […]

Every dollar counts when paying off debt. But if your budget still feels incomplete, it might be time to revise your strategy — and that’s where zero-based budgeting comes in. Zero-based budgeting (ZBB) is a high-impact tool that helps activate every dollar for a purpose, so nothing gets lost in the shuffle. Let’s walk you […]

When money is tight or you’re working on debt, big surprise expenses can feel like a punch to the gut. One day you’re doing fine, the next you’re wondering how to pay for new tires or holiday travel without reaching for a credit card. That’s when you need a sinking fund most.  What’s a Sinking […]

You want to feel in control of your money, especially when you have bills like credit card debt or personal loans. Sometimes, thinking about a “budget” can sound like a chore, or like it means you can’t have any fun.  But resist the urge to write off budgeting. When you’re working your way out of […]

To quote a famous fictional Chicagoan: “Life comes at you fast.” And that’s certainly true of those big events: One day, you’re out on a date, the next, you’re huddled around the computer, making a wedding registry with your future spouse. A new job, marriage, children or big move can be hard to fit into […]