If you're not clipping coupons before going to the grocery store, you're overspending. If you're ordering in or going out to dinner because you don't feel like cooking, you're overspending. If you're not tracking where your money is going, you're very likely overspending.
I give out similar advice all the time: Take a month to write down where your money is going. By the end, you'll have a road map that tells you where you can cut back.
Most credit cards provide some sort of protection against a defective purchase, and with gold or platinum cards, you'll often get double the manufacturer's warranty. You're also not immediately out your own money if something goes wrong.
Anything past 90 days constitutes 'severe,' but all late payments stay on your report for seven years if reported.
Joining finances can be tricky. Money has long topped the list of topics couples fight about.
By the time most people file for bankruptcy, their credit is already trashed, they have a high debt-to-income ratio - a key indicator lenders look at - and they've likely defaulted on more than a few accounts.
If you work in a home office, you can likely write off that space, as long as you use it only for work.
Use an accountant the first time you file your taxes after becoming a freelancer. It will be worth it.
July is high burglary season because so many people leave town. To help avoid making that obvious, suspend your newspaper subscription and have your mail held. Another clear indication is if all your lights are off for an extended period. To fix that, you can buy a timer for about $30.
Getting a tax refund is nice, but having more money year-round is better. If you get a chunk of change from the IRS, you're giving the government an interest-free loan - not something they, or any bank, would ever give you. Instead, change your withholding so you get a little extra in each paycheck.
Put all of your savings on autopilot, and you won't likely notice the missing cash.
While it's true a small treat won't blow your budget, indulging every day could - the same way a slice of cake probably won't hurt but, if you make it a daily habit, you may have trouble fitting in your pants.
People who are passionate about what they do reach financial comfort and wealth more often than those who are not. That argues for doing one of two things. Finding your passion and pursuing it. Or becoming passionate about what you're already pursuing.
Find the autonomy in your work. Autonomy is key to feeling good about the work you do, no matter what kind of work it is.
Our culture highlights the desire to always have more, even when we should be grateful for what we have.
If you're comfortable with what you have and who you are, you'll automatically be more comfortable talking about your finances.
Nontraditional students often have the misconception that aid is intended only for high school students entering college. Luckily, that's not the case.
I know it's exciting to get an item on sale. But if you're buying for the discounts and not because it's something you need or want - either for yourself or for a gift - you're going about things the wrong way. Think of it this way: Saving 30% is great, but if you didn't buy at all, you'd be saving 100%, which is even better.
