Though saving money is a goal we all have, determining how much to save can be a tricky thing. The 50/30/20 rule is a popular savings strategy, but saving 20% is not always the best route for every financial situation. The origins of the 20% rule come from the target of achieving financial freedom for retirement, but depending on your income, debt repayment strategy and other factors, there are other things to be considered. Read on →

A credit score is a vital part of navigating the financial world. From renting an apartment to financing a vehicle or signing up for a new credit card, your credit score impacts nearly every money decision a person makes—and because length of credit is such an important factor when calculating a credit score, the earlier you can start building this history, the better. For parents of teens, educating them about good money habits is so important—and that includes educating them about responsible credit usage. Read on →

You have likely heard plenty of unsavory statistics about the dangers of credit card debt. Over half of all credit cards in America carry a balance on them, and with some interest rates reaching as high as 19%, this can add up to a significant amount of money being spent on interest every month. However, it can’t be denied that credit cards have a lot of perks, too—from cash back offerings to travel points to exclusive offerings, being a credit card holder does have some benefits. Read on →

If you are like a lot of people, thinking of money decidedly does not bring you joy—and that is OK! There is a lot of stress, compounding interest and other negatives that are typically associated with budgeting and money management, so it is logical that many people do not have positive feelings surrounding this household chore. While we often think of expenses as the boring things—such as recurring bills, saving for a rainy day and paying off loans—it is important to consider (and prioritize) the expenses that bring you joy, as well. Read on →

The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer, both of which are pretty exciting things. However, if you are frugal like we are, you are likely already thinking about what this means for your electric bill. While extra daylight means turning on lights later in the evening, it also means warmer temperatures that can cause your air conditioner to work overtime. Heating and cooling costs make up around half of a home’s energy consumption, and on scorching days, it may seem like there is nothing you can do to reduce your usage. Read on →

Did you know that helping the planet can be a great way to help your household save money? Many people associate eco-friendly initiatives with costly ones, but that does not have to be the case at all! Eco-friendly initiatives involve buying less, reusing items and avoiding the purchase of unnecessary goods—all of which can be smart ways for your household to save, too! The Eco-Friendly Tips That Can Help Your Household Save Reduce food waste for your household. Read on →

If you are hoping to purchase a home, you have likely been saving for some time. Most people are familiar with the requirement of a down payment to purchase a home—and because it is typically a large amount of cash upfront, it is certainly worth considering. However, the down payment is not all that is involved in purchasing a home, and future homeowners are wise to budget for all the elements involved ahead of time. Read on →

Saving money is a goal we all strive for, but it is often easier said than done. Unexpected events, months where expenses are higher than normal and fluctuating incomes can all contribute to our savings being less than what we would like, but there are ways you can quickly get yourself back on track. While the best savings strategy is a long-term one, if you are hoping to get a quick boost to your savings account balance, we have several tips for you! Read on →

When it comes to credit cards, there are certainly no shortage of options to choose from out there! Because of this, the credit card market has gotten competitive—with companies doing everything from incentivizing signups to offering incredible perks, there are many benefits you can reap the rewards of. If you commit to using a credit card for necessities and paying it off in full every month, it can be a great way to take advantage of these perks and get a little extra cash in the process. Read on →

Your credit score is a very important thing in the financial world. The score, which ranges from 300 to 850, is designed to show lenders and financial institutions your “creditworthiness”—essentially, how qualified you are to make use of borrowed funds. Having a good credit score can help you get lower interest rates and friendlier repayment terms when you have to pursue financing, so ensuring it is a good one is wise. Read on →