For the last twenty-something years, your college student—for the most part—has been under your care. This means they have been under your “financial” roof. And while they may have had a job to help with expenses, such as car, gas, cell phone, extracurricular activities, etc., they have really no idea what the cost of living in America actually is. Help give them an idea before they head out into the real world, so they are not in too much of a shock (You have to pay for garbage pick-up? Read on →

The United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service states that many high school students prefer to bring a bag lunch from home. And while it is easier to just give them money to use for the lunch at school, there is something special about packing a child’s lunch – even if it takes a little more effort. So embrace the memories (and save some money) by packing your students’ lunches. Read on →

“Can I borrow money? I promise I will pay you back!” How many times have we all heard this phrase? And every time one of our friends asks for money, we all wonder: Do friends and finances really mix? The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly We all want to be generous with our friends. So when times get hard for one of them, it is only natural to want to help out. Read on →

I promise to love and cherish you. I promise to share my life and all that I am with you – including my finances. Yet, a Citibank survey states 57-percent of divorced couples mentioned money issues as the primary reason for their divorce. The Power of Two Financial issues do not have to cause your marriage problems. In fact, let your finances bring you closer together. Open and Honest. Before you get married, have a serious discussion about your finances. Read on →

Instant gratification is something we all have struggled with in life. When we want something, we want it NOW! Unfortunately, this is not reality, which is why it is important for us to teach our children early the importance of saving money. Never Too Early Did you know that children as young as 3 are able to learn the concept of saving for something they want? Use this time to teach your children the importance of saving money before making a purchase so that when they become adults, this concept is part of their routine. Read on →

We are hitting the six-month mark. If you are like most, you did really well at starting a budget in January as part of your New Year resolutions. However, days, weeks, and months have passed, and you are probably getting a little lazy. Take a break from your day to re-organize your finances. Get It Straight It is always good to stop and reflect halfway through the year on how you can get better organized when it comes to your finances. Read on →

In this economy, “keeping up with the joneses” is no longer financially chic. Instead, counting your pennies and saving where you can is the hip thing to do. Take the time this summer to sit down and really see where you can make some adjustments in your budget. A Little Bit Here, A Little Bit There Saving a dollar here and there can really go a long way. The following are some ways that can help you trim your budget so you can save more! Read on →

Along with sunny, dry days also come strong thunderstorms and tornadoes during the summer. Should a disaster hit, will your finances will be the next to follow? Or can your finance withstand these storms? Disaster-Proof Your Finances Sometimes it is not “if,” but “when” a disaster hits. Either way, get ahead of the storm by checking these items off your to-do list. Make It Automatic. Unfortunately, it may be a disaster to you, but bill collectors will not care, even if we think they should. Read on →

It’s vacation season! With the weather now sunny and warm, the lake and beach will be calling your name. It is really important to take vacations, to enjoy some rest and relaxation away from the hustle of the office. But the price tag for these vacations can add up quickly. Consider these ideas for having a great time without ruining your bank account. 1. Try an all-inclusive resort While these are not often the cheapest option, they provide a way to set a hard limit on what you will spend. Read on →

If you are someone who has filed for bankruptcy, do not feel alone. In fact, approximately 936,795 bankruptcies were filed nationally in 2014. Don’t give up on having a successful financial future. You can bounce back from these money missteps. Get Back on Track There are many reasons people file for bankruptcy, including divorce, medical issues, job layoffs, etc. Life happens. But the great news is, when one chapter closes, another chapter opens. Read on →