As the year comes to a close, many of us are looking ahead and mapping out our goals for the New Year, resolving to make it even better than the last. Throngs of us are making lists and goals, both professional and personal, in order to improve our lives. Everyone wants to lose those last five pounds, improve their relationships, […]
One of the staples of our consumer culture is the “special financing” deals. You make a large purchase that you can’t afford, and the retailer offers you a financing deal. Usually, you pay 0% interest, or “same as cash” for anywhere between three and 12 months. It seems like an easy way to afford something […]
Gift giving is fun, that is until you realize you need a lot more cash for the season. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to show your loved ones that you care, but it may require a bit more time and creativity to do so. I love giving gifts, but I’m also […]
Planning for your financial future as a couple isn’t something you should tackle alone. You and your spouse each have a valuable voice in the success (or demise) of your finances. But talking money usually causes arguments and discord even in the sturdiest of marriages. So how do you and your spouse get on the same page while financial […]
Recently, I’ve been trying to phase out some of the big box stores where I can, and instead shop locally. Why? Because shopping locally has some great benefits. Firstly, you’re putting money back into your own community and promoting local job growth. Secondly, you might be keeping a small, family owned business from the brink of bankruptcy. […]
The surveys are in, and although holiday shoppers plan to spend roughly 5% more than last year, the money they spend will be more strictly spent on gifts for others, and not gifts for themselves (a fact that retailers count on for high-ticket items). Although more people are shopping early to more accurately budget their spending, […]
