Budgeting
News, Events, Resources, Tools & Advice
12 Steps to Financial Wellness – Step 9: Build and Maintain an Excellent Credit Score
One of the big keys to financial wellness is building your credit score and keeping it high. This score affects a dizzying amount of your adult life, so pay attention to it! Continue reading
12 Steps to Financial Wellness – Step 8: Know When and How to Indulge
Believe it or not, you should make room in your monthly budget for indulgences! Without a little fun every month, you’ll be tempted to go off the rails in a big way at some point and really blow your plans. Just be sure to work it into your budget like any other expense and be sure you get a bang for your buck. Continue reading
12 Steps to Financial Wellness – Step 7: How to Pay Yourself First
One of the truest secrets to financial wellness is paying yourself first. This means setting aside money for emergency funds and short- and long-term savings goals. Keep an eye on your spending, and trim where you can to make faster progress. As you go along, check in periodically to make sure you’re making the progress you want. Continue reading
12 Steps to Financial Wellness – Step 6: Pay it Forward
When you’re getting your own financial house in order, don’t forget to pay it forward, too! Helping those in your community who are in financial, medical or emotional distress helps the whole community, and everyone benefits. Plus, it just flat makes you feel good! Continue reading
Fun Gifts for Dad that Won’t Break the Bank
Every dad is different, and when Father's Day rolls around, you want to make sure that your gift for the old man is right on the money. Speaking of money, he taught you to be smart with yours, so don't blow your budget on the present! We've got an array of gift ideas for your dad. Continue reading
12 Steps to Financial Wellness – Step 5: Practice Mindful Spending
Do you indulge in retail therapy? If so, it's time to look into mindful spending. Instead of making buying an automatic action, actually stop and think every time you spend. Hold each purchase up to the light of good financial sense and you'll find yourself spending less! Continue reading
12 Steps to Financial Wellness – Step 4: Have the Money Talk with Your Partner
We’ve all heard that money issues are one of the leading causes of divorces and breakups, but avoiding the topic isn’t going to make it go away! Set a time for the discussion and be sure to listen rather than going in with preconceived ideas. Try to find a shared money vision, and be open about who pays what bills. You can do hard things. Continue reading
12 Steps to Financial Wellness – Step 3: Pay Down Debt
If you're buried under a pile of debt, it can seem like paying it all down will take forever. It won't, especially if you strategize! We've got tips to help you pay down your debt and live financially free. Continue reading
12 Steps to Financial Wellness – Step 2: Creating a Budget
Creating a budget is one of the most vital parts of financial wellness, and it’s actually one of the simplest. As long as you keep paying attention as the month goes along and tracking your expenses, you’ll do great! Continue reading