Sharing insights since 2007 on carefully saving money, investing, frugal living, coupons, promo codes because the little things matter in achieving financial freedom!
So you’re up to your neck in a massive pile of debt. There are many circumstances that could have led you here, but responsible financial planning is the one that will get you out. Most debt situations can be corrected with careful planning and intense effort over a period of one to three years.
You’ll need to include everyone in your household and be honest about the need for focused debt reduction efforts. You can do it if you follow these steps to achieve pay off all outstanding debt without filing for bankruptcy protection:
I stayed home with my young children, putting my career on the back burner, for five years. Financially speaking, it was a bad move. Economists say that the stay-at-home parent who gives up a career may lose about $1 million over the years. While I didn’t lose $1 million, I have lost 5 years of wages, 401(k) contributions (and growth), and that many years of employer contributed social security benefits.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. I loved being there for my kids when they were little, devoting myself 100% to them, and forgetting about everything else. But I was lucky: my five-year stint as a stay at home mom took place while the economy was strong; my husband was employed and earning well throughout those five years; he didn’t leave me for another woman (happens more often than you’d like to think); and I am now back to working almost full time, from home, this time for my own growing business. [ continue reading… ]
One of the ways to find yourself in financial trouble is to waste your money. In order to get your finances back on track, you need to be able to identify money wasters in your budget, and then make an effort to stop spending money on those items.
Will you spend some time today to improve your financial picture? Here are some questions to ask yourself as you attempt to determine what constitutes a waste of money:
If you’re an American who lives outside of Manhattan… you probably drive. Driving is so common, many of us don’t even realize it’s actually not a mandatory part of life. We just do it. Day in. Day out.
I’ve been biking nearly everywhere in my city for three years. Not only does the habit save money but I actually really enjoy it. Come to think of it – I’ve never been happier, healthier or wealthier than I am now. Coincidence? I think not. This post explains how I got here (and how you can get here too). [ continue reading… ]
A financial fast can be a great way to kick-start your savings, figure out the holes in your budget, and find contentment with the things you own. While it may seem a little extreme to go on a financial fast — a period anywhere from one week to one month wherein you refrain from all spending other than necessities — it’s an excellent exercise in self-control with lessons that will last long after the fast is over. Here are four tips for making your financial fast go smoothly and enjoyably: [ continue reading… ]
There are a ton of things going on with my business, and people are often surprised to find that I’m still doing practically everything by myself. A question I often get asked is “How do you do it all?”
The secret is written on the wall—there is no secret. I get more done because I work longer hours than most people. Everyone sees me out and about during the week and people are always jealous, but they never realize the time I put in every single night when they are watching TV, and all the hours I put in during every single weekend when everyone else is doing anything but work.
Having said that, there are a few little things I learned along the way that makes me more efficient. After all, when I get more done with less time, I can choose to a) relax more or b) make more money by taking on more. Let me share them with you today. [ continue reading… ]
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