Some people are still avoiding the real estate market because they predict yet more steep declines in home prices. Other people have decided that now is a great time to buy. My husband and I have decided to take the leap, but only after making some careful consideration. Here are our reasons for buying our …
Eek, it’s moving week! My computer will be dismantled at some point tomorrow and who knows when it will be set up again (or more specifically, what time on Sunday it will be set up again.) I’m already freaking out a little about the lack of a computer. Nevertheless, I have some blog carnival highlights …
The French Are Frugal about Books – at the Carnivals Read More »
Apparently the third Monday in January is the saddest day of the year. Researchers determined this because this is the day you’ll receive holiday credit card bills and this is the day most people realize those resolutions have failed. Here are some tips for renewing that resolution to get in shape without busting your budget. …
In addition to lists, I like financial software. I started using Quicken back in 1997 and have used it ever since. When I was in charge of paying the bills, I also had a system to remind me to pay the bills so I never missed a payment and always had the money ready to …
Yesterday I reviewed strategies for saving money on personal books. As a recent grad student, I also have several strategies for saving money on college books. These are my top methods, but you can also use sources like on-campus exchanges, off-campus exchanges, and Craigslist to find books. Request Books from the Library Years ago, I …
Both Dave Ramsey’s book and workbook, The Total Money Makeover, detail his system for getting out of debt. When I saw that it’s published by Thomas Nelson, I was concerned it would be heavy on the scripture and light on the advice, but I was very pleasantly surprised. I’m ever the contrarian, though, so there were …
I’ve been bringing my lunch to work for several years. I even brought lunches when I was in grad school. I’m on a medically restricted diet, so packing a lunch is necessary for me, but I would probably do it even if I didn’t have to. My husband was resistant to the idea of bringing …
I bank with Bank of America, and have another account with Washington Mutual. There have been occasions where both banks have nearly driven me to quit them and find some new way to manage my money. In the end, they’ve both offered features that convinced me to stay. Nevertheless, I keep my list of deciding …
As I mentioned last year, Good Morning America recommended that your holiday budget be three times your daily income. Divide your annual salary by 52, then by 5, then multiply by 3. If you make $52,000 a year, you can spend $600 this holiday season. Is Three Times Your Daily Salary Too Much? However, with cutbacks and …
It’s the beginning of the year, which means it’s the perfect time to sit down and redo your budget. Plan out your basic expenses, budget for savings and big purchases, and start yourself on the path to a financially sound year. Reassess Your Taxes and Income If you adjusted your retirement or flexible spending account …
