spending
How to Navigate A Single Mom’s Mother’s Day
We’re well into the 21st century, and the rise of single-parent families means single moms aren’t alone in the world. Emotional support and camaraderie are out there, along with other perks like carpools and swapped babysitting nights. But friends, sisters and even mothers of single moms are often unsure how to celebrate Mother’s Day. Even […]
Retailers Face Pressure to Boost Cybersecurity Spending
By Dhanya Skariachan and Phil Wahba (Reuters) Target’s decision to speed up a $100 million program to adopt the use of chip-enabled smart cards is just a drop in the bucket when it comes to what retailers need to do to defend themselves against future cyber attacks, according to security experts and IT service providers. […]
Study Shows That Millennials Develop Their Financial Habits from Friends
Are you a millennial? Did you know that 78 percent of twenty-five to thirty-four year olds look to their friends’ financial habits when determining their own? Instead of doing their own research and finding out what financial habits best work for them, they try to emulate their friends’ lifestyle. They wear what their friend wear. […]
Hidden Credit Card Perks That Consumers May Be Unaware of
When it comes to credit cards, we as consumers have been told time and time again to read the fine print. Of course this was created to insure that the credit card lender is protected at all times, however credit card terms and agreements are not always out to get you. A lot of the […]
Receive More Cash Back Without Overspending
Cash back is one of the best benefits offered by your plastic, but if you spend more just to obtain additional rewards, you could find yourself deep in credit card debt. Fortunately, there are strategies you can use to get the most out of your card without extra spending. Strategy No. 1 – Charge all […]
Getting the most life value out of your money
For decades, experts have discussed the connection between money and happiness. Accomplishing true happiness is a goal to which most people aspire, but it’s challenging to live your “best life” when you’re struggling with a web of obligations. Figuring out how to pay bills or save money, find the perfect career, establish a loving relationship […]
Shopping Wisely Can Lead to Thousands in Savings
Americans Still Splurging on Purchases: Are You One of Them?
Completely overhauling poor financial habits and going cold turkey on your favorite purchases is no easy feat, but in your infinite wisdom you may likely realize that making significant financial changes is important to your future. Despite this recognition, studies show that many people are not only falling into a worsening financial situation, but also […]
Smart Tips To Keep You Committed To Your Savings Goals
by April Lewis-Parks Many people are natural-born savers and have no difficulties scaling back on spending and putting the bulk of their income into different savings vehicles. But for other women, saving money can be challenging. You may get into a really good money-saving rhythm initially and then fall back into your old spending habits. […]
Cut Costs while Enjoying the Beauty of Easter
by April Lewis-Parks I love the renewed life and hope that Easter represents. I also love the springtime flowers in bloom, dressing up, watching children hunt for Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies, and brunch. All of these things make it one of my favorite holidays! According to the National Retail Federation, the average American plans to […]
Recover from ‘Budgeting Burnout’
by April Lewis-Parks Living on a budget is one of the most effective ways to save money, keep debt under control, and accomplish your goals. But let’s be honest, budgeting may also require you to make sacrifices like cutting back on your morning lattes, lunches out or saying no to fun trips with your friends. […]
5 Things to Consider Before Spending
People all across the United States changed their spending habits since the recession hit in late 2007. Pinching pennies and paying off debt became the new way to live. Splurging for big purchases was simply out of the question, even if it was for something useful such as a new appliance or electronic device. […]
Do you spend a $1,000 a year on a cup of morning Joe?
Being shouldered with credit card debt or finding it difficult to make ends meet every month can be a stressful situation, but many people may not be aware of the small changes they can make to their spending and the large results these simple alterations can have on their overall financial condition. If you […]
Top 3 Budget Blunders – And How to Work Around Them
Creating a budget is one of the most common and popular ways to save money, eliminate your debt, and plan ahead for that adventurous vacation you are organizing, but sometimes, planning every single expense, down to your last latte, can backfire. Maintaining a strict budget is a great way to cut out discretionary purchases, track […]
Find happiness without getting into debt
Who doesn’t dream of having a beautiful house… what about a big raise or a brand-new car? But does having more material things make us happier? A behavioral psychology study found that more money is not the key to happiness. The study revealed that high incomes may bring greater life satisfaction, but not happiness. According […]
The Cost of Happiness
Everyone wants to be happy; even the crankiest person in the world yearns to be happy sometime, but how happiness is attained can, in some cases, cost money. That’s because when some people get sad or depressed or have a really bad day, they go shopping. Shopping therapy produces immediate relief and happiness, but can […]
15 Ways to Save Money Every Day
It’s great to look at the large picture when saving money – 401k, retirement funds and stocks – but you can also focus on the small stuff every day to save more money and keep yourself financially fit. This doesn’t mean you have to be cheap; but it will take some discipline and a prudent […]
Are You Still Shopping?
During the month of January, post-holiday sales and clearance advertisements have littered print, TV, radio and internet. Recent retail forecasts are projecting that consumers are continuing to spend into New Year. Many shoppers are rushing to the store to get these great deals before they dry up. However, the question remains, “How long can shoppers […]
How to Prevent the Holiday Spending Spree from Impacting Your 2011 Budget
You threw frugality out the window for a couple months but now the spending is over and reality is setting in. Credit card bills are coming due and you must pay them off while setting up your New Year Budget. Hopefully you put enough money away to eliminate your debt, unlike over 13 million Americans […]
Have Less Stressful and Less Expensive Holiday Season
No matter how much you love the holidays or how well you’ve planned, if you’re like most people you’ll find yourself frazzled at times. You may find yourself searching for the perfect gift, trying to create an impressive dinner for guests or scrambling to put up holiday decorations. The best gift you can give […]