It is one of the most basic questions of personal finance. But have you ever thought about what it REALLY means to answer the question “Can I afford it?” Do you just look at the balance in your checking account? Or do you go with your gut? Is it okay if the monthly payments aren’t … Continue reading How Do You Answer the Question “Can I Afford It?”
Category: Budgeting
Eight Things I Don’t Spend Money On, and One Thing I Do
Ever been curious about how someone else spends their money? It’s not something we get to see that often, but it can be interesting to peek into another person’s life, and maybe pick up some ideas for our own spending. To give you a look into my own spending, below are some things that I do … Continue reading Eight Things I Don’t Spend Money On, and One Thing I Do
“How can I get ahead when something always comes up?”
We’ve all been there. You’re going along, spending is on track, and then … something comes up. It’s the annual insurance payment, or it's someone’s birthday, or there is an out-of-town trip, or an unexpected car repair. Now you are scrambling to come up with the money, and you find yourself saying, “How can I get … Continue reading “How can I get ahead when something always comes up?”
A Tale Of Three Grocery Carts: Saving 80% On Groceries
As a personal financial coach I see a lot of people’s grocery budgets, and I can tell you two things: People spend vastly different amounts on groceries. People have a lot of set habits around groceries–so much so that our grocery habits can even be part of our identity. And I totally get it–we all … Continue reading A Tale Of Three Grocery Carts: Saving 80% On Groceries
Don’t Be Afraid of the “B-Word” (Budget)
I know, a budget sounds awful. It sounds like pinching pennies and never being able to have the things you want. But it is actually the opposite! A budget can help you get what you want in life because a budget is about spending with intention. It is about consciously choosing what things are most … Continue reading Don’t Be Afraid of the “B-Word” (Budget)
22 Ways to Celebrate Milestones For Free or Cheap
Taking time to celebrate your milestones can help you have gratitude and happiness for the things you have achieved, and to look forward with joy and optimism to what is coming next. It can help keep you motivated, and help you realize that yes, you have actually made progress – especially when progress seems slow.
Fast Brain vs. Slow Brain – Which One Is Making Your Spending Decisions?
Every day our brain has to make thousands of decisions, from the mundane to the more important. In a 2011 book by Psychologist Daniel Kahneman called “Thinking, Fast and Slow” he talks about two systems of thought that help us make these many decisions
12 Ways to Create an Emergency Fund — Quick!
Not having money for emergencies can be extremely stressful. But a $1,000 emergency fund will put you in a better place than 57% of Americans – and it is a great goal to get started with. It will give you peace of mind, and it means you don’t have to take out a 20% interest … Continue reading 12 Ways to Create an Emergency Fund — Quick!
Why Am I Seeing A Christmas Tree? (It’s about future planning.)
I know, we don't want to start thinking about the holidays! But now — not after the fact when the bills come due — is the time to start thinking ahead about what extra expenses will be coming up between now and the end of the year. This might include: holiday travel annual payments that … Continue reading Why Am I Seeing A Christmas Tree? (It’s about future planning.)
One of Your Biggest Financial Decisions — Where You Will Live
Where you will live is a big decision, but it can also be a big opportunity to change your financial future.