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…

The Dangers of Defaulting on 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…

11 Tips for How To Divorce Proof Your Personal Finances

11 Tips for How To Divorce Proof Your Personal Finances

Divorce is an unfortunate part of life. For whatever reason or another, it just doesn’t work out. Ultimately, you’ve both done what you can but it’s for the best to just move on. Divorce also affects numerous parts of your life. From your social life, to your personal life, and to your financial life. If you’re not careful, divorce could very negatively affect your financial life. Today, I want to share some tips on how to divorce proof your finances so you don’t end up in a financial mess. Many things may seem uncertain when you’re facing a divorce and this may even include your financial future. You have to make sure that you are protecting your financial security for later. 11 Tips for How…

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…

Before You File for Bankruptcy

If you’re having a lot of credit and debt issues, you may have considered filing for bankruptcy. This is often a last resort when it comes to personal finances and is not a decision that should be made overnight. Before you file for bankruptcy, be sure that you’ve explored and exhausted all possible options. Take a look at some of the tips and advice in this post for other things to think about before filing for bankruptcy. Personal bankruptcy is a big step for many people, and it is a legitimate tool that helps people get out from under a mountain of debt. Many borrowers successfully build their credit after filing bankruptcy, and continue on with success in their financial lives. Find out the real…

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…