The concept of a “sinking fund” might be as foreign to you as it was to me when I came across it a while ago. Just looking up the definition can be confusing since there are at least two uses for the term:A strategy for the repayment of a specific debt over a period of…
I’m an obsessive list maker. This obsession is usually an advantage because it helps me stay organized and remember things I need to do or buy. The sheer act of writing something down on a list helps me remember (since my memory is visually oriented) so that often I’m able to shop my list from…
You work really hard to save money and get out of debt. Every year, when making your New Year’s resolutions, you vow that this will be the year you finally succeed and never look back.You set your budget before December loses itself to January; you’ve planned how much you will put on each card, and…
One of the things I’ve thought a lot about recently is what happens with your finances when you marry for a second (or third) time. Deciding whether to combine finances in a first marriage – and how you will do it – can be complicated enough. Money during a divorce can be a complex subject as well.…
Money is one of the most divisive issues we deal with on a daily basis — even more than politics, parenting philosophies, or which sports teams you support.No matter how carefully you try to keep money from damaging your relationships, you will encounter awkward situations that could have a negative effect on your family life…
Buying a home is often seen as an important rite of passage to ‘adulthood’ and a major part of the American dream. Depending on your situation and where you live, it can also be cheaper than renting. But unless you have a large chunk of money just sitting around, the down payment it requires is…
I was given a small weekly allowance as a child, but unlike most kids, I didn’t choose to spend it right away. Instead, I couldn’t wait to put it in my piggy bank. I wasn’t really saving up for anything at that age. It was just exciting to watch my bank get filled with coins.Although I…
One financial decision many people struggle with is whether to focus their energy and resources on paying off debt (which frees more of your income) or investing in retirement (which secures your financial future). With more than 43 million Americans responsible for $1.6 trillion dollars in student loan debt, getting free of debt burdens should…
It’s no secret that growing even a small vegetable and herb garden saves money on grocery bills through the spring and summer months (and, if you preserve them, you’ll save through the fall and winter as well). What’s not as well-known is the expense of putting one in. For me, gardening always seemed like an…
Clutter can take over your house and also your finances. I have lived many years with clutter, and I can tell you that living with less has been so much more beneficial to my bank account.Here are four financial benefits you’ll reap almost immediately after dealing with the clutter.1. Improved ProductivitySince I’m a freelance writer,…
