Don’t Give Up on Your Financial Goals

There are so many demands coming at us these days, aren’t there? There are the time demands of work, shuffling kids to activities, friends and social activities, and just running a household. There are also all of the financial demands that seem to be increasing, such as escalating gas prices, a rise in food costs, and increase in taxes, and a reduction in home equity.  It seems like a tough time to set financial goals, especially the big ones of getting out of debt and being financially independent. No matter what our situations, though, we can all still work toward … Continue reading

Coming Back to Financial Goals for a Home Business

We talk about so many aspects of choosing, starting and operating a home business here in the Home Business Blog, that sometimes we get away from some of the core basics. Periodically, I like to come back to those subjects which can actually be at the forefront of many of our minds on a regular basis. While there are many different reasons for starting a home business, chances are financial goals have a role in just about every entrepreneur’s home business plan. Setting financial goals is one way of having a definite plan to guide your business, but it is … Continue reading

List of Financial Goals

As I was writing yesterday’s blog entry on setting your financial priorities, I started thinking about all the different financial goals we might have. I thought it would be helpful to list some, and invite my readers to add any more in the comments. Having a list to work from may also help you narrow down which of these apply most to you. Common Financial Goals: 1. Buy a house. 2. Save for retirement. 3. Retire early. 4. Quit work to stay at home with kids. 5. Take an extensive vacation – around the world, to Europe, etc. 6. Pay … Continue reading

Determining your Money Goals

When you first get married you don’t typically choose a mate because you share the same money goals. Once the passion shifts and reality sets in though, you do learn that coming together in a marriage means coming together financially. The main step to success in this merger is to derive a clear set of mutual monetary goals. This process can be complicated and emotional. It goes beyond the marriage to personal and family goals. Arriving at a consensus can often be a struggle. Let the following tips help you better determine your vision as a couple. 1. Start by … Continue reading

Avoid the Dollar Syndrome

When planning for a big purchase or the future, do you often get bogged down with how much things cost? This can even happen even with smaller purchases in reverse. You see something marked down at 75% and have to have it, simply because it is a good deal. The problem with finances is money. Yes, this sounds odd, but in reality the actual money part should be the least focus. When looking at your financial situation, stop thinking about the actual dollars and start thinking about what you want or need. The question shouldn’t be “how much will this … Continue reading

Financial Goals for Marriage

Finances and marriage are always a tough combination. There never seems to be enough money and sometimes, there can be too much. Both can be a potent one-two punch to a marriage’s balance and tranquility. Married to the Money Financially, my marriage has been in both boats. In the early years of our relationship, we always had excess cash. It sounds great and at times, it was great. But whenever we had difficulties in the relationship, we used money to repair problems. We’d buy presents or go do something extravagant. Retail therapy was a great panacea for all ills. What … Continue reading

Money Week in Review August 13 – August 19

Are you considering a large purchase that you hope will actually help you make or save money in the long run? This may be a hybrid car or an energy efficient appliance. Whatever you have in mind, Miriam provides some important considerations before you make this leap. Read Will that Big Ticket Item Really Save You Money? before you head out shopping. Having financial goals is the key to success in money. Let Miriam’s article on Financial Priorities walk you through some thoughtful steps to determine exactly what your individual goals actually are. Once you have determined these specific goals, … Continue reading

Money Week in Review May 14-June 2

First I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new money blogger Debbie Vasen. I know that you will enjoy reading her insights on family finances. She has introduced herself in Why Trust a New Money Blogger? You learn more about how to include your family in your money decisions in Family Money. Comparing the Value of Your Things to Your Time helps you gain an additional perspective on what your spending your money and your time on. Money Decisions and Marriage discuss the importance of including both spouses in the financial decisions and balancing the tasks between … Continue reading

Important Lessons on Money

Becoming a single parent usually means the purse strings are tightened. That does not mean you cannot enjoy wonderful things in life but going from a two to one-income family does present some challenges. Unfortunately, children think mom and dad are made out of money. Smaller children have no concept of what money is or where it comes from, just that if they want something, they beg mom or dad for it. According to some of the country’s leading child experts, a child should be taught the value of money as early as age three. In fact, these experts say … Continue reading