budgeting

8 Financial To-Do's for College Freshmen

Don't make college more expensive than it already is with bad financial habits. Learn these fundamental money lessons before you head off to class.

Psychology of Money: How We Secretly Want People to Make Us Buy Things

A good financial plan includes planning and budgeting for both needs and wants. Don't let short term wants steal from those wants you really desire.

5 Ways to Live Like a Celebrity on a Budget

It is possible to live like a celebrity and retain a bit of luxury even when you're cutting corners.

Fess Up to Your Addictions: How to Satisfy Them on a Frugal Budget

There are just some things I can't go without, like Starbucks coffee or a dinner at Chili's. To feed my addictions, I've learned some tips that save me money and still let

5 Tips for Easy College Savings

Saving for college isn't always easy when the day-to-day costs of living are taking what income you have. Here is a simple idea to start saving small for your kids higher education

The First Step to Budgeting

Why do so many budgets fail? Because the first step to budgeting is omitted. When implemented correctly, it can make a huge difference. When the first step is neglected, intangible

3 Ways Paying Off Credit Cards Is Like Playing Beer Pong

Paying off your debt isn't as FUN as playing beer pong, of course, but it's a much better way to think about it than your old wrinkly neighbor would have it.

7 Ways to Save on Cat Care

Before you get out that frugal yard stick and start lecturing about spending too much money on cat toys and accessories, understand that the majority of those expenses are spent on

Beyond the Slow Cooker: 10 Eco- and Budget-Friendly Household Helpers That Progress Left Behind

Cleaning? Cooking? Ugh, you say. Make friends with it, compadre; they’ve got to be part of the frugal warrior’s toolkit. I look for ways to make it easier and cheaper, because when

Budgeting Tricks for Parents

Being a parent, you may be able to admit (at least to yourself) that you enjoy indulging your children even if it is to the detriment of your budget. Here are some tips to help you

What's the Right Way to Save?

We all have our own ways of handling our finances -- and that's why it's called "personal" finance. What works for one person may not necessarily work for someone else, and this is

47 Simple Ways To Waste Money

How are you doing with your money? Do you have everything under control, or are you spending a little more than you should? Well, if you'd like to blow even more of your money, thi

Simplify budgeting with personal money

Many couples keep their finances partially (or even completely) separate. One big reason is that spending joint money on individual expenses can lead to disputes, and keeping sepa

On Choosing and Defending Your Luxuries

How do you defend your luxuries? Easy: You defend them to yourself, not to some other guy.

Survivor Island Meal Plans: Use it or Lose It in 5 Easy Steps

Whether you’re a bit strapped for cash, or you’re facing the dreaded task of defrosting your freezer, it’s always good to do a complete “use it up” routine with your food supply.

Budgeting Hack: Gift Calendars

There is no quicker way to derail a decent budget than having to buy unexpected gifts. Learn how to make your own Gift Calendar so you can steer clear of the cash crunch, organize

Behold: The Secrets of the Grocery Store

A trip to the grocery store may be a hit or a miss, depending on your perspective. Some people love going to the store each week and others detest it with a passion. But there are

Buying Shiny New Things Without The Guilt

Saving beforehand without dipping into savings or paycheck takes the guilt out of buying process.

When More is Less

We've all heard that less is more. If you're like me, you've also heard at least a million ways to apply that. But is the opposite ever true? Do we ever save in the long run by spe

Too broke to be frugal?

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 tr