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
Money Management
Zeta App Review: An Easy Way to Manage Your Money Together
Let's face it, managing two incomes and two sets of expenses separately can be a headache. However, with Zeta's seamless interface, you can easily upload your account information, start managing your household's money, and plan your financial goals right from your desktop or mobile phone. If you and your significant other are ready to manage your finances together, then the … [Read more...] about Zeta App Review: An Easy Way to Manage Your Money Together
Die with Zero: One Little Book That Changed My Perspective on Money
A few decades ago, I read Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez. It changed the way I thought about spending money, especially the formula that looked at hours worked in relation to the price of something that you buy. For instance, if you’re going to buy a meal out, that may equate to one or two hours of work, especially if you’re young and just starting … [Read more...] about Die with Zero: One Little Book That Changed My Perspective on Money
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
Savings and Side Income Ideas You Probably Haven’t Thought About
A couple of months ago I made a few decision that blew out my budget - mostly related to automotive costs and housing. Between my poor own decision making and inflation I've needed to look for aggressive ways to save money and build some side income. I bet a lot of you are in the same situation. So, here are savings and side income ideas you probably haven't … [Read more...] about Savings and Side Income Ideas You Probably Haven’t Thought About
Coping With Inflation and Supply Chain Shortages
The writing is on the proverbial wall — inflation and supply chain shortages are here. The news is covering it, and there is a lot of chatter about it in online forums. The media is reporting that we're likely to have a few more months of shortages and price increases. At this point, the Federal government is doing its best, but it got a lot on its plate. A quick fix to … [Read more...] about Coping With Inflation and Supply Chain Shortages
Financial Advice from My Grandma
My grandma grew up during the Great Depression. However, she was largely insulated from the economic effects because she lived with her wealthy aunts. Then, she married my grandpa, who came from a large family without a lot of money. My grandpa joked that he had to teach her everything about money, but she was a good student. By the time I was born, she had been frugal and … [Read more...] about Financial Advice from My Grandma
Tip Of The Day: Track Your Finances
Here is a pro tip for you: tracking your finances works. This is because what gets measured, gets managed. If you want to improve your investing returns, track how your investments are doing. If you want to reduce your debts, write down how much you owe and track it. If you want to improve your income, track your income. This also works for the non-monetary … [Read more...] about Tip Of The Day: Track Your Finances
Tip Of The Day: Grocery Store Customer Service Desks May Redeem Your Coupons
Hello All, Here is a tip for you. If you have grocery coupons, but you forgot to use them during your shopping trip. Bring your coupons and your receipt the grocery store. The customer service desk may be able to credit your coupons to your rewards account, or they might be able to give you cash back. More reading here: Tip Of The Day: Save Those Plastic Shopping … [Read more...] about Tip Of The Day: Grocery Store Customer Service Desks May Redeem Your Coupons
How to Prevent Arguing with Your Spouse about Money
The Beatles sang, “All you need is love,” but when it comes to a successful marriage, you need much more than that. Finding a spouse who matches your lifestyle and beliefs is important, especially when it comes to money management. Money issues are often a significant factor in divorce, so to keep your marriage intact, learning skills to prevent arguing with your spouse about … [Read more...] about How to Prevent Arguing with Your Spouse about Money