We conduct fire drills to ensure fire warning systems are functional and that building occupants know what to do in the event of a fire-related emergency. Apply that same type of stress test to your money with a financial fire drill.
Holidays are a time to let loose and have a little fun. It’s all too easy, however, to let having a little fun turn into spending way too much. Use prepaid travel cards to keep spending contained, secure and in budget.
Cutting down your mobile phone, rent, credit card and other bills is the gift that keeps on giving, all year ’round. Try these negotiation tactics, savings tips, reminder plans and other tips to cut down your paycheque killers.
There’s nothing wrong with dipping into your savings account when you need to, but if you’re prone to doing it a bit too often, using certain kinds of accounts can help deter you from going to them more than necessary.
Few of us can claim to not be guilty of at least a purchase or two where we said to ourselves “Only X per month? That’s not bad at all!” Using the monthly payment to assess affordability, however, is a financial trap.
“It takes the guts to be a cheapskate,” according to photography hobbyist Ken Rockwell, who goes to great lengths to lay out his well-worn advice on how to afford nearly anything you really want.
Home ownership is a completely different affair from renting and is more expensive than you initially imagine. Set up a phantom expense account to determine if you’re ready for the transition.
Trying to budget from one lump sum is difficult. If you want more control over how you budget your set expenses and flexible spending, consider separating the two so you know exactly how much you have to use this week.
If you’re looking to do some travelling, Budget Your Trip can help you not only plan your travel expenses but track them while you’re travelling.
