Budgeting for the rest of us

Category: Savings

  • How to Budget Using an Envelope System

    How to Budget Using an Envelope System

    I’m pretty sure you’re all aware that the key to financial freedom is having a budget system that works for you.  Okay, so every month, you diligently make your budget using different spreadsheets, tools or smartphone apps.  You’ve put in all your income, expenses, financial goals, etc.  Yet, by the 30th or 31st, you still end up spending more than what you’ve planned for at the beginning of that month.

    So what’s the problem?  The lack of accountability.

    For you to avoid overspending, you need to choose a budget system that will hold you accountable for your spending, such as Dave Ramsey’s Envelope System. (more…)

  • 6 Helpful Ways to Quickly Boost your Emergency Fund

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    Having a ready supply of cash for unexpected circumstances such as hospitalizations, job loss, car repairs or even a simple leaky faucet that needs to get fixed as soon as possible, would come handy.

    Although this critical advice isn’t really new to us, most of us still have a hard time building our savings for the “rainy days.  If you haven’t started with your Emergency Fund, it’s about time you should.  (more…)

  • 8 Easy Ways to Refresh your Finances Now!

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    Did you know that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February?  We still have less than three months before we welcome another year but we don’t have to wait for New Year’s Eve to give our finances a makeover.

    Whatever you are waiting to begin, do it now.

    That said, here are 8 practices that will significantly improve and refresh your finances. (more…)

  • How to Save Money During Halloween

    How to Save Money During Halloween

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    Did you know that there will be 179 million Americans planning to celebrate Halloween this year and are expected to spend $9.1 billion for this spooky holiday?  It seems that the figures keep growing year after year – in 2016, consumers were expected to spend $8.4 billion and $6.9 two years ago.  Wow, Americans truly are passionate about the Halloween festivities.  (National Retail Foundation)

    But not every American who wants to celebrate Halloween would want to shell out tons of cash for costumes, candies, decors and travel. (more…)

  • How to Stop Overspending on Your Kids

    How to Stop Overspending on Your Kids

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    Moms and Dads only want the best for their children – the best education, the best childhood, the best life.  If they could only give the world, they would.  That’s why parents tend to overspend when it comes to their kids’ needs AND wants.  Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with being a great loving parent who wants to give their children the best of everything.  However, you should know that love isn’t measured by material things and experiences that come with a hefty price tag.  (more…)

  • 8 Ways to Go Tailgating on a Budget

    8 Ways to Go Tailgating on a Budget

    Fall means football season, and with that comes a series of tailgating parties and events.  Tailgating has already been a fall staple – it’s a great time to spend with family, friends and fellow football fans.  The only drawback is that it can get a little expensive.  Especially if you’re one of those who see football as not just a sport, but a religion (kind of).  Sure, as die-hard fans you can go all-out, but tailgating doesn’t have to break the bank.

    To make sure you don’t blow your budget this year, here are my top tips to achieve a fun and memorable but cheap tailgating season. (more…)

  • How to Prepare Your Home for Fall and Save Money on Utility Costs

    How to Prepare Your Home for Fall and Save Money on Utility Costs

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    With the first day of autumn officially starting on September 22nd, it’s time to prepare your home to save you money on utility costs.  Because we all know what’s coming next – the holidays!

    On my previous article, I talked about how to start saving for the holidays but I didn’t mention about energy efficiency tips that will save electricity and money, that will surely help boost your savings. (more…)

  • How to Start Saving for the Holidays

    How to Start Saving for the Holidays

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    It’s never too early to start saving for the holidays, especially if you have a long list of people you want to shop for.

    Starting as early as September gives you more time to increase your savings and more wiggle room in your budget.

    I’m pretty sure you have a lot of activities planned this fall, then Halloween, then Thanksgiving… the next thing you know, it’s already December. (more…)

  • 4 Easy Steps to Create a Successful Budget for College Students

    4 Easy Steps to Create a Successful Budget for College Students

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    For most young individuals, college is when they first experience managing their own money, which can be a major concern for them and their parents as well.

    Learning how to budget is a very important skill that every student should possess, if you want to survive life in uni.

    No clue where to begin?  Don’t worry, it may sound daunting, but really, it’s not.  It’s a simple task that can save you from future money disasters, well that is if you stick to it.  (more…)

  • 5 Daily Habits of Frugal People That We Can Learn From

    5 Daily Habits of Frugal People That We Can Learn From

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    Before anything else, let’s first acknowledge the fact that frugal people are not cheap.  According to an article on Investopedia, people who are labeled cheap only look at the price, and don’t believe in value.  Some cheap people wouldn’t even pay for the basics and necessities of life.

    A frugal person on the other hand, is someone who is simply wise with their money – he is all about looking for ways to increase savings but he knows when to pay up, understands that an item that has good quality doesn’t really come with a small cost and believes in giving to worthy causes. (more…)