Budgeting

Sometimes, the siren song of retail therapy can be too enticing. Maybe it was a stressful week, a persuasive friend or a really, really good deal that kicked off your shopping spree — but now that the bags are empty, how are you going to rebound from the debt? Here’s where to begin.  Step 1: […]

Most budgeting advice has you following a rule like 50/30/20, for essentials, wants, and savings. But what if that doesn’t work for you?

You’ve probably heard the rule that rent should take up no more than 30% of your income. But for millions of people, that math doesn’t work anymore.

Some bills are basically universal: housing costs, car payments, insurance and utilities feel non-negotiable, so most people never think to try and lower them.  But here’s the problem: When your biggest bills never get a second look, they can quietly slow down your financial progress. You might be cutting takeout or canceling subscriptions, but those […]

If your budget app feels more like a guilt trip than a tool, you’re not alone. Budget burnout can be a major hurdle to cross — especially because it can be difficult to get back on the wagon when you’re exhausted by the tracking and saving.  But this isn’t a mark against you. 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, […]