Bills, account statements, insurance notices, credit card offers… chances are, your financial life comes with a lot of clutter. What do you do with all of it? Have you ever accidentally thrown away or misplaced an important document? How do you make sure you don’t miss a payment due date or forget a password?
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You’ve worked hard to earn your money, so naturally you want to grow your earnings and protect them when you can—particularly from bad economic news like a recession. Recessions are a normal part of the economic cycle. They happen when we experience two or more consecutive quarters of reduced overall economic activity. That reduction leads to job losses, home foreclosures, and a lot of uncertainty that can hit close to home, just like what happened during the Great Recession of only a decade ago.
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As we begin a new year, many of us will take some time for self-reflection and to form one or two New Year’s resolutions. In many cases, these will involve financial goals. Unfortunately, whether your resolution involves eating healthier or saving more money, it can be tough to keep it going past January. Often, that’s because well-intentioned goals aren’t followed up with a clear, realistic plan. We want to help. Here are nine personal finance moves that could have a big impact on your financial wellness in the coming year – and suggestions to help keep your financial resolutions on track throughout the year.
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Cash gifts are the perfect solution for the ones on your list who have it all. More flexible than a gift card, giving cash allows the recipient to make the important decision of how to spend it. Generally regarded as last-minute or impersonal, cash gifts can be a welcome relief among closer, familial relationships. Everyone has an idea for what they would do with an unexpected check or winning lottery ticket, so why not give the freedom of choice?
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There are lots of reasons to love the holidays: the lights, the gifts, the time with family. But here’s something you probably don’t love: a big credit card bill or low checking account balance to start the new year. By some estimates, the average American spends around $1,000 on holiday expenses. However, with a little planning and smart purchases, it’s possible to enjoy lots of holiday fun without spending lots of money.
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Whether you’re planning for an average weeknight dinner or a Thanksgiving feast, it can be hard to get your grocery bills to align with your monthly budget. The good news is that there are many great strategies for saving money on groceries that work for Thanksgiving and all year long. Here are some of our favorite tips.
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Every horror movie has a moment where one of the soon-to-be victims does something foolish like saying the killer’s name in the mirror three times, going upstairs to investigate, or saying the infamous phrase, “I’ll be right back.” As audience members, we groan at these mistakes and shake our heads as each character meets a grisly fate. But when it comes to managing finances, too many of us make terrifying mistakes that can cost us money, hurt our credit and impact our financial future. In order to survive, we offer this brief list of financial terrors. Avoid them, and you may get out alive.
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If you’re newly married or in a serious relationship, the opportunity to build a life together can be exciting. But as your lives become intertwined, so do your responsibilities—particularly when it comes to your finances. For many couples, opening a joint checking account or a joint savings account is the first step. In fact, some studies have found that couples who pooled their money in shared accounts had happier long-term relationships.
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Right now, staying connected is more important than ever. But for many people with pricey cell phone plans, it’s also more expensive than ever. On average, Americans are paying more than $1,300 a year for their cell phone service, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While carriers all claim to offer the best cell phone deals, finding ways to lower your cell phone bill can be challenging. To help, here are eight proven tips to help you save on your cell phone.
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When you’re looking at a big-ticket purchase, one question always comes up: Should you pay with your savings or finance it? Or, if it’s a new home or car, how much of the purchase price should you pay up front, and how much should you borrow? There is no simple answer. On the one hand, paying in cash can keep you out of debt. On the other hand, large cash purchases could wipe out much of your savings, while borrowing can help ensure you have more savings available for emergencies. There are many factors to consider. Ask yourself these eight questions to figure out whether you should pay cash or use financing for your next big purchase.
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