Saving money is always a good thing. Sometimes, it can pay to reassess how we pay for things that we have been using for a few years. For example, when was the last time you shopped around for homeowner’s insurance or made any changes to your policy? Here are a few tips for saving money on your homeowner’s policy without leaving yourself open to the risk that your coverage will not adequately protect you from the financial effects of loss of or damage to your home. First, it is important to determine the correct amount of coverage. You certainly want … Continue reading →

The other day as I was at the grocery store, I was inspired to write this post by some coffee that was on sale. Our family’s grocery budget is rather tight but we do splurge on certain things, like high quality coffee for my husband’s morning cup. Our favorite brand, Green Mountain Coffee, was on sale for $6.00 per bag instead of its usual $8.50. That is quite a savings. As I picked up two bags of the coffee and placed them in the grocery cart, I remembered that coffee was not on my grocery list. I had bought two … Continue reading →

In college, my roommate and I would rarely eat at sit-down restaurants (even the cheaper ones) because we didn’t want to spend extra to tip the server. I didn’t wait tables during college, but if I did I would certainly hope that patrons would be generous (or, at the very least, fair) when it came time to dole out a tip. But what is “fair” these days? Unless the service truly stinks, I don’t tip less than 15-20 percent at restaurants. Is that fair? And who deserves a tip anyway? Should I be tipping the woman who washes my hair, … Continue reading →

Does the state of your family’s finances make you want to throw your hands in the air and shout “do over!”? Sometimes, feeling like you are starting fresh can give individuals, couples, and families the motivation and inspiration that they need to get their finances back on track. If the idea of a fresh start appeals to you, here are a few tips that you can try. Whether you are taking a fresh start for your personal finances or working with your spouse to start your financial life over together, one very powerful thing that you can do that costs … Continue reading →

What is it about having money that creates such a state of alternate reality? When I’m pinching pennies, it’s easy to stay in budget—I have to. I don’t have a choice. But when a little extra cash comes my way, suddenly those lines become blurred. It’s okay to grab pizza for dinner … we have a little extra money. It’s all right if I want to get that book … we have a little extra money. Before I know it, that money is gone, and I have absolutely no idea where it went. It vanished, gone in a vaporous mist, … Continue reading →

Why work? Why bother? Yesterday I asked you to think about why you work. There are many benefits to a full time, part time or freelance position, and these benefits go far beyond the money that you make. There are also a lot of difficulties associated with working, and some of these may outweigh the money that you make? How long is your commute? Calculate your hourly wage and include your commute. If you commute more than an hour a day, this can drop your hourly wage substantially. Can you work from home or at hours that are flexible and … Continue reading →