Budgeting

Budgeting can be straightforward, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Unfortunately, they often fail for a common reason you might not expect: they’re built around monthly expenses and can’t adapt to irregular ones.  If your budget holds up until a car repair, medical cost or other emergency expense happens, that reveals a critical blind spot […]

These days, you’re often just one click away from an impulse buy. That ease can also make overspending feel like an accident. But you can take back control of your spending by adding “friction” to your transactions. Friction slows things down, and a delay gives you an opportunity to think before spending your next paycheck.  […]

A “Friend Fund” is a great solution if you find yourself giving more than maybe you should in any given month. 

Budgeting is promoted as the ultimate way to control your money.  You might think: “If I stick to a budget and spend less than I make, I will thrive!”  The problem is, when you have money anxiety, traditional budgeting advice can make things worse, especially if it focuses on restrictions or strict changes that are […]

You’re not alone if your food delivery app gets more action than it should. Between busy schedules, stress and the sheer convenience of delivery apps, ordering in can feel like a way to be kind to yourself. But beware — eating out as a habit can make overspending a practice, too.  Here’s how you can […]

There’s a simple way to start saving without hard “brain work.” Meet the 2-Tap Savings Sweep. If you’ve got thirty seconds, you can do it.

We need buffers in life — from airbags to cushy sneakers, the things that stand between us and the hard world make life feel more secure and comfortable.  But does your budget afford you the same amount of security? Let’s dive into building an affordable buffer zone that works when you need it.  Step 1: […]

You’re Probably Overpaying for Utilities (And Don’t Realize It) Here’s what usually happens … You sign up for internet, electricity or water, set it to autopay and never touch it again. Then the bill shows up, by mail or email, but because you are auto-paying, you ignore it. What you’re missing is how it’s getting […]

It may be a cliché, but recovery is a journey. While you’re working on your health, relationships and readjusting to the sober life, it can be tempting to let your finances lag behind. It’s understandable, but you might find major advantages to paying more attention to where your money is going now (and giving it […]

Managing a household on a single income — or a fluctuating one — is a full-time job all by itself. Stay-at-home parents juggle everything from raising children, maintaining the home and managing finances — on top of the basic tasks of grocery shopping, scheduling and transportation.  All together, it’s a hard job. And it doesn’t […]