My husband recently accepted a new job in a new state, 2200 miles away from our home. The new job comes with a pay raise and significant promotion (love that!), but, unfortunately, the new state is also more expensive. While we do come out ahead financially even after accounting for the cost-of-living increase, our emergency fund did not. So, whether you’re like us and moving … [Read more...] about Why You Should Reevaluate Your Emergency Fund Regularly
Budgets
Why We’re Not Paying Extra on Our New Mortgage
We’re relocating from Arizona to New York because my husband found a good job there. While we’re happy to move, we’re sad to leave behind our house payment in Arizona. We had a 3.375 percent interest rate and a smaller mortgage than we’ll have when we move. In New York, our interest rate will be approximately 5.5 percent, and our mortgage will increase by 1/3. Ouch. However, … [Read more...] about Why We’re Not Paying Extra on Our New Mortgage
Planning a Trip to Renew Your Vows? Consider These Budgeting Tips
Renewing vows can be a very special occasion for any couple, especially if done right. If you want to make it even more special by planning a trip for it, you may be wondering if you can do it on a budget. Read on to see some helpful budgeting tips that can help you have a beautiful trip and renew your vows. Look for Reasonably Priced Accommodation Take time to look for … [Read more...] about Planning a Trip to Renew Your Vows? Consider These Budgeting Tips
How We’re Preparing Our Budget for a Recession
Recently, you’ve likely heard many pundits express concern that we may be heading into a recession. As the Fed increases interest rates to attempt to stop high inflation, many people worry that the housing market slow down will help tip us into darker economic times. While my husband and I live frugally, we’re preparing our budget for a recession by making some financial … [Read more...] about How We’re Preparing Our Budget for a Recession
How We Used Our Raise to Budget for True Expenses
Okay, nerd budgeting time. I’m the budgeter in our family, and I use YNAB. We’ve used this program for several years and love it. However, within the last year, I’ve added some categories to our budget that have made a huge difference in how smoothly our monthly budget runs. Namely, we used our raise to budget for true expenses. … [Read more...] about How We Used Our Raise to Budget for True Expenses
How to Improve Financial Communication for Couples
Money arguments occur in many marriages, but they don’t have to. When you learn how to improve financial communication for couples, you will find that you have less to argue about because you understand one another. Once you’re on the same financial page, you can work together to achieve your goals, which sounds better than rehashing the same tired financial arguments month … [Read more...] about How to Improve Financial Communication for Couples
Cutting Back on Luxuries to Save Money
Are you struggling to get your financial health in great shape but just can't seem to balance your budget? Then, there's a chance you can eliminate some unnecessary luxuries from your financial planning. While the following things are all nice to have and may improve your life, you may find your life is a little bit better if you avoid them until you get your financial health … [Read more...] about Cutting Back on Luxuries to Save Money
5 Issues that Financial Therapies for Couples Can Help Fix
You may think you have a healthy outlook on life and don’t have baggage. . .until you get married or move in with someone. When you’re single, you can manage your life in the way that works best for you. When you’re part of an established relationship, you must compromise and negotiate on different issues. This can be challenging, especially if your partner comes from a … [Read more...] about 5 Issues that Financial Therapies for Couples Can Help Fix
How to Deal with a Financially Opposite Spouse
You know the old phrase, “Opposites attract.” There is truth to that phrase, especially when it comes to money management. A frugal person can learn to relax a little and have more fun from a partner who loves to spend and enjoy money. However, the spendthrift partner can also learn to save more from the frugal partner. Ideally, the two balance one another out. However, before … [Read more...] about How to Deal with a Financially Opposite Spouse
7 Tips for Couples to Effectively Grow Wealth Together
The media loves to point out that one major cause of divorce is financial disagreements. Maybe the media talks about that so much because every marriage in the United States has a 40 to 50% chance of ending in divorce. That’s enough to make you consider not getting married! However, consider the flip side of this that’s never mentioned in the media—couples who effectively grow … [Read more...] about 7 Tips for Couples to Effectively Grow Wealth Together
