What Does Being Frugal Mean?

When you hear the word “frugal” what do you think of? What does being frugal mean to you? Does it strike a particular image in your head? Do you conjure up a binder of coupons? Being frugal means different things to different people. So what does being frugal mean and does it really mean that you have to completely alter your lifestyle? Well, yes and no. Just because you’re making the decision to be frugal, doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice everything that you already have. Part of being frugal, to me, means coming to appreciate what you already have instead of constantly wanting things that you don’t have. What does it mean to be frugal? Being frugal, for many, is as much of…

Student loans may seem like an ideal option to pay for college. But what happens when you default on your student loans?

The Dangers of Defaulting on Student Loans

If you’re a current or former college student, the chances are very likely that you have some amount of student loan debt. It happens to many of us and it’s really nothing to be ashamed of. Though there are ways to find free money for college and definitely ways to maximize your FASFA, sometimes taking out a student loan is unavoidable. Oftentimes, student loan debt becomes the first source of debt and we may struggle with managing student loans. But, just because we’re struggling with student loans doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t pay them. In fact, that’s the last thing that you want to do. Here’s some advice about defaulting on student loans and why this should be avoided at all costs. What Does It…

When to Start Saving for Retirement

When to Start Saving for Retirement

While I do enjoy being a blogger and being able to stay at home, one of the downsides is that there is no 401k or any sort of retirement plan involved. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you couldn’t start your own savings plan. And for those with a part time job where you might not have a benefits package, it’s also a smart idea to start saving for retirement. No one wants to face the prospect of working for the rest of their lives, though there are those out there who find the idea appealing. Still, it’s a good idea to know when to start saving for retirement. Retirement may seem a long way off to you, and you might not be worried about…

6 Tips for Living Well Within a Budget

6 Tips for Living Well Within a Budget

A common myth about budgeting is that you’re making too many sacrifices and by doing so, you’re giving up a lot of luxuries and comforts. While this might be true for some things, it is still possible to live well within a budget. You can also learn to live with less if the thought of living well within a budget is just unappealing to you. Or maybe you feel that just don’t need a budget and that you can manage your money by yourself. While this very well might be true, I would still recommend considering a budget- you never know where it might take you. Living within a budget can be intimidating to say the least, you know where your money is going and…

8 Ways to Start Fixing Your Credit

Credit cards are almost unavoidable. I say almost, because they really aren’t necessary. Especially with most banks offering a Debit card that also carries a credit card logo. Personally speaking, I try to avoid having credit cards as I’m still trying to pay off one of my cards. If you’re like me, and many others, you may have run into problems with your credit cards. Today, I want to share some tips and advice on how to start fixing your credit. Because what you do today or did yesterday, will affect your financial future. Easy credit just might be the greatest seductress of the modern era. We’ve all seen the commercials, and the lure of credit card sometimes can’t be resisted. If you have fallen…

Financial Tips for College Students

Back to school isn’t just for younger children and teenagers. Many college students are getting ready to go back to school as well. From moving into dorms to budgeting for text books, soon enough many cities across the country will be swelled with eager students. I never had the typical college experience, but many of my classmates from high school did. As we were all figuring out our options during our Junior and Senior years, I wish someone had imparted some of these financial tips for college students. Student loans can add up quickly if you aren’t careful and though you can certainly find free money for college, it still couldn’t hurt to be financially smart when it comes to college. For many individuals, college…