Savings Challenge Check-In: Almost There!

If you’ve been following along, you’ll remember that I challenged myself to keep up with the 52-Week Money Saving Challenge, and I’m about to finish up the third quarter. I’m happy to report that I’ve faithfully contributed my weekly requirements, and I’m set to finish up the year on schedule! My past history with saving was pretty rocky, and this was the perfect way to set myself up on the right track. I’ve learned so much more about planning to save!

Read more

How To Stick To A Budget During The Holidays

December is one of my favorite months – the holidays are here and I feel like everyone seems to be in good spirits. One thing that can kill the mood of the season is financial trouble. We should all try to remember what this time of year is all about, but let’s be honest… everyone is likely to worry about their money and spending at some point.

Read more

Save Money By Staying Healthy During the Holidays

The holiday season can be a great time to relax, but it can also be a time for more stress than usual. Money is one of the biggest contributing factors to that, but worries about your health can also play a part. Many people use the holidays as an excuse to overindulge, but sticking to both your budget and fitness plans will keep you on track and set you up for success in the new year. Keep some of these tips in mind to keep your holidays healthy and budget-friendly…

Read more

Saving Money vs. Paying Off Debt

Lately, I’ve been feeling very torn between growing my savings and paying down my debt. This indecision was spurred by recent developments on the home front, quite literally. After about two years of casual looking, I finally convinced my husband to look into building our first – and hopefully last – house.

Read more

Prepping Your Budget for the Holidays

It’s finally starting to feel like fall! Now is the time of year that I start to think about all of the things the change of season brings. The holidays will come way faster than you think, and I both look forward to and dread them at the same time. I love heading indoors, staying warm, and spending time with family and friends. I’m not so crazy about some of the financial tolls winter brings with it (don’t even get me started on our gas bill…).

Read more

Save or Spend? Tips for Getting Through a Financial Pickle

When I write posts to share with all of you, I try to write about things that not only could apply to just about anyone, but also about topics and tips that I can apply to my own financial plans. I try to follow all of my own advice, and writing about ways to be a better saver and stick to a budget has made me more financially responsible than I’ve ever been.

Read more

Hidden Fees and How to Save By Avoiding Them

I’d like to think I’ve gotten pretty good at working within my budget and monitoring my expenses, but sometimes little things can sneak up on you. Advertised costs aren’t always what they appear to be – hidden fees are popping up more frequently now than ever. They’re the charges that aren’t included in the up-front payment price, and they can be as small as a buck or two, or as much as a few thousand dollars (obviously depending on what you’re purchasing).

Read more

Budget-Friendly Entertainment and Exploration

If you’ve been following along, you might have noticed that this has been quite a busy year for me; I’ve made traveling and visiting new places one of my top priorities, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve been to so many places that I’ve always wanted to see, and that’s something I’ll remember forever.

Read more