Category: budgeting

Buying Wisely in Today’s Frenzied Used Car Market

New car shortages have put pressure on the used car market. Although used car prices are settling down, they’re still 22 percent higher than in 2021. And according to the consumer price index, as of June 2022, used car prices were over 44 percent higher than in the first quarter of 2020. Buying a vehicle has…


10 Mortgage Hacks Every Homeowner Should Know to Save Thousands

The average monthly mortgage cost in the United States is $1,492 per month according to data from Value Penguin. As such, it’s typically one of the largest line items on a person’s budget. If homeowners want to reduce this monthly payment faster, there are several mortgage hacks you can implement that will save you thousands of dollars on your…


How to Afford Big-Ticket Items for the Year—Timing Could Really Make a Difference

When Brandy Baxter needed to replace her home’s entire heating and air conditioning system several years ago, she asked contractors if they offered deals at certain times of the year. She learned that if she waited until February, the slow season for such work, she could get a lower price. Baxter, a financial coach based…


7 Ways to Make Extra Income Even With a Full-Time Job

By Sujan Patel Is your dwindling bank account impacting your health? The American Psychological Association (APA) released a survey showing that money stress impacts Americans’ health nationwide. And, as it turns out, the wealthy are also stressed about money—not just those in lower-income households. You can eliminate some of that financial stress by earning extra income, even if…


Tips for Boosting Your Credit Score

By Pat Curry From Bankrate.com If you’re thinking about buying a house or a car, your credit score is a very important number. The interest rate you’ll pay for the money you borrow will be determined, in large part, by this three-digit number that’s generated from the information in your credit report. Most lenders have carved-in-stone rules…


Children’s Debit Cards Can Teach Financial Good Sense

Everyone wants the best for their children. Teaching them respect, love, responsibility and educating them overall are priorities for parents and grandparents. But one aspect of children’s education is often overlooked, and it can cause havoc when they are adults. Learning about finances should be part of your children’s ABCs when they are growing up….


How to Position Yourself as the Go-To Expert in Your Niche

By Erica McMillan When you have a strong personal brand you are viewed as the expert and go-to personality in your field, whatever that is. If you exit your company or it’s acquired and you start another venture, guess what? Your personal brand follows you, and you are able to immediately leverage its power. As a branding strategist,…


Growing Your Small Business: Have the Vision to Diversify

You did it. You own your own business, and you’re the boss. It’s a healthy business and doing well. But what’s your vision? If you max out on your core business, what’s next? No matter how small or big your business is, the need to think outside the box is essential. Think about your short…


5 Streams of Income That Will Grow Your Wealth

By Feras Moussa Studying millionaires is quite fascinating, because more often than not, they are regular, ordinary people with remarkable discipline and focus. Very wealthy individuals get that way by working differently (not necessarily harder or smarter) than the rest of the world. One fascinating insight into millionaires is that they typically have multiple streams of…


Finances and Marriage: Should You Say “I Do” to a Joint Bank Account?

Marriage is more than falling in love and wanting to be together. It’s a spiritual union that encompasses emotions, legalities, and economics. It brings together two people who promise to share themselves and everything that comes with themselves. How much you share with your spouse says a great deal about the commitment you have to…