Posted March 3, 2009 - 14:38 by Paul Michael
My wife brought this to my attention. I’m not an avid Oprah viewer, but usually when I tune in I hear good advice. And with the help of financial guru Suze Orman, she’s asking families all across America one simple question; what can you live without?
Posted February 3, 2009 - 06:31 by Philip Brewer
The first few years after I got out of college my finances were seriously out of control. I was making pretty good money, but I was spending all of it. Worse, I wasn't keeping track, so I didn't even really know whether I was getting ahead or falling behind. During that period I more than once made some seriously unfrugal choices, simply because I didn't have cash on hand.
Posted January 26, 2009 - 14:13 by Linsey Knerl
The New Year usually brings about two very common goals for most people: Getting in shape and getting their finances under control. Dieting is the number one method of achieving the first, and you may also hear much about budgeting to address the second. Here’s what I’ve learned about both, and why they’re not really all that different.
Posted December 27, 2008 - 13:15 by Philip Brewer
Budgets tend to focus on needs--food, shelter, heat, light, transportation, and (of course) taxes. They also provide for wants, but generally the smaller, shorter-term wants--cable TV, a magazine subscription, an occasional restaurant meal. Instead of a budget line, the larger, longer-term wants are covered implicitly when your budget spends less than all you earn. Somewhere, though, those big, long-term wants deserve a plan.
Posted November 7, 2008 - 15:33 by Philip Brewer
Typical personal finance advice would have you divide your budget categories into two groups: Your fixed expenses and your discretionary expenses. I generally don't like that distinction much--how is your power bill more fixed than your grocery bill? When you reach the point of emergency economizing, though, it's a useful way to structure your thinking.
Posted November 7, 2008 - 14:05 by Paul Michael
That’s the advice from a beautifully-executed campaign from Denver Water, right here in my own backyard of Colorado. The campaign (created by Sukle Advertising, a very smart, strategic ad agency) is simple and effective, using guerrilla marketing to hammer the message home. But it’s not just good advice for water; I think it’s a strong message for all consumers.
Posted September 29, 2008 - 14:10 by Nora Dunn
Going to the supermarket and sticking to a list is an exercise in discipline and requires fortitude and resilience of epic proportions. Employing tips like “don’t shop when you’re hungry”, “look for the no-name brand”, and “avoid the checkout counter displays” are simply damage control.
Here are six tips on how to get in and get out without going over your budget:
Posted September 26, 2008 - 09:09 by Paul Michael
I remember saying to my dad, a long, long time ago, that I really needed a whole bunch of He-Man action figures for Christmas. Oh, and Battlecat, too. My dad looked at me, a hopeful 10-year old with big cow eyes, and said “no, you don’t need them…you want them.” It went over my head. How could he not know I needed them? Now, as an adult living in a country that’s in economic turmoil, his words resonate more than ever.
Posted September 12, 2008 - 10:23 by Sarah Winfrey
Do you feel lost at the very idea of having a budget, let alone a comprehensive financial plan? Does it make your head hurt to think about how much you make and how much you spend? Does keeping track of your finances make you tired?
Relax.
It's not as scary as it sounds. it's not as scary as it looks. In fact, planning where your money goes doesn't have to be scary at all.
Posted August 29, 2008 - 07:07 by Paul Michael
We’ve all been there. You open a present with giddy anticipation, ripping the gift wrap away like a 10 year old on a sugar high. And then, as you open the box and peek inside, your brain searches for a way to act really happy…because the gift you have received is just, well, awful. And when the dust settles and the event is over, it’s time to start thinking about regifting. But be careful…there are rules to follow.
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