Budgeting is the number one way to spend and save smartly, and to get out - and stay out - of debt. A budget, or a spending plan, is simply a way to intentionally spend and save money to meet your goa...

It’s not too late into the year to make a fresh start. If you still have a holiday debt hangover, remedies do exist. Determine which plan, or relief option, is right for you, and get started on the ...

By putting things in perspective and moving one step at a time, you can make decisions that let you set the best priorities and goals for your financial life. Once you cover the basics and get out of ...

Parents can teach financial responsibility in a way that is interesting for children. Most important is remembering that parents are their children’s role models. When kids see you budgeting, saving...

Not having saved for a crisis is what throws many people into a financial disaster. When finances are tight, it can be challenging, at best, to create an emergency fund. But saving for a rainy day -- ...

Remember that the goals of a vacation are rest and relaxation. They are worthwhile goals to attain, and worth saving for. Some simple budgeting and planning will help make sure you can get that R&...

Bulk buying can mean significant savings and a real boost to your budget – but only if you think before you buy. Carefully consider what you need and what you will actually use, and then determine w...

Living within one’s means is the best way to avoid going into debt and build savings. Start with, and keep that standard. Set your goals and pay attention to your budget, and you’ll be well on th...

By planning and budgeting ahead, and taking a new approach to a few details, it’s possible to host excellent dinners and create wonderful memories without going overboard financially. ...

A retail store credit card can be the right decision for some people. Typically, though, they will cost you far more than you save in the long run. Think carefully before making your decision....

Used the right way and in the right circumstance, personal loans can help some consumers eliminate their credit card debt once and for all. Use care in evaluating your situation, and in choosing a len...

Taking these steps will help get your financial house in order and make sure you are on the path toward achieving your goals. ...

Getting in the habit of evaluating your finances each month will help you avoid overspending, help avoid going into debt, and move you forward to a better financial future....

Most people know that tax preparation comes once a year. But it can be easy to get caught up in that and forget about other necessary tasks. Taking time for a few other annual tasks will help you avo...

Paying down credit card debt on your own is possible for many people. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, start by creating and using a simple monthly budget. Then choose either the avalanche or snowball ...

With just a little effort and planning, you can create and use a simple holiday budget. When you work from a budget, your holidays can be far more carefree. Ultimately, you will be able to focus on jo...

With debt consolidation, you may be able to simplify on-time payments. But remember that it does not address the need to look at the root problem. It will be important to make a commitment to turning ...

If you are facing too many accounts with too-high minimum payments at crippling interest rates, debt consolidation services may offer a solution. The rule of thumb in choosing a company is “buyer be...

Credit counseling can be very helpful for individuals who can stick with the program over several years, and who can make the payments resulting from a lower interest rate. If you do have debt, make s...

Debt settlement, also referred to as debt resolution, is a serious process for people in serious debt. For those who qualify, it can provide significant benefits: lower monthly outlays, reduced debt, ...

When it comes to getting debt help, selecting a solid partner that will help you is critical. For those who are looking for a trustworthy organization to help win the battle against debt, these consid...

If you are working in good faith to repay your debts, don’t let debt collectors harass and intimidate you. You have the right to be treated with respect while you work to get out of debt and find yo...

Remember to focus on lasting value when evaluating whether a debt is healthy or unhealthy. Healthy debt will provide lasting value, and is aligned with a long-term goal (e.g., a mortgage enables you t...

Beyond financial institutions, potential employers, landlords and even cell phone providers may look at your credit score to determine whether you’re a good credit risk. Credit scores also play a pa...

Like every other area of life, kids will pick up financial habits from their parents. If you argue with your spouse about money, use your credit card with abandon, or don’t have a regular system in ...

Developing new habits and patterns isn’t easy. But by using some of the discipline you used to pay off debt in the first place, you can change your mindset, spending and financial practices. Living ...

If you have credit card debt, this can be the year to take charge of your finances and dig out once and for all. If you find yourself in deeper debt trouble than you can manage, it is a good time to ...

When it comes to finances, marriage is for richer or for poorer. But making the effort to understand and discuss each other’s finances before walking down the aisle will play a major role in a long,...

Discussing these do’s and don’ts is a good start. Chances are good that as you discuss them, others will arise. Take the opportunity to open an honest dialogue about your finances – past, presen...

Couples often assign one spouse to take the helm when it comes to home finances and budgets. But this can be a recipe for disaster. It is more important than ever for spouses to work together, stay in...

Whether couples choose the equal share, proportional share, pool, separate or other method (or a combination), the key is to talk it through and do it together. Making sure you are the same page when ...

Covering the expenses of attending a wedding without taking a toll on the wallet may take some planning, but is possible. Remember that your presence – vs. your present – really is the best gift....

While you are hitting the books and earning that degree, you also can be making an investment in your financial future by developing good financial management skills. Set the basis for your future by ...

Learning to create and use a simple budget will help college students learn to differentiate between needs and wants, and in the process, learn lifelong skills that will ultimately lead to financial ...

College students need nutritious food to keep minds and bodies strong. With some planning and forethought, the food budget can become one of the greatest areas for saving....

By taking steps to protect credit, and focusing on eliminating debt, individuals and families can come divorce through in much better shape....

Teaching kids about money and debt will have a profound effect on their futures in virtually every area of life. Taking the time to model responsible choices, discuss the realities of debt and focus o...

Whether working on one’s own with the IRS, or with the help of a tax debt resolution expert, the effort is worth it. Avoiding filing or paying taxes will only lead to more debt and greater stress....

By managing the situation carefully, and taking proactive steps, it is possible to pay down medical debt. Use all of these steps to start resolving your situation....

None of these suggestions involved spending on a fun vacation, or buying a new tech gadget or new car. In the right situations, those can be good choices. But if you want to really spend smartly, thi...

While buying a vehicle is costly however you do it, it is possible to make sound decisions that won’t put you in more debt that you can comfortably handle. Allowing time to prepare, research and sho...

The good news is that you can take charge of your own financial future after a divorce. By setting up simple systems, following a budget and paying close attention to how you spend and save, you can -...

While there is no way to avoid the cost of health care, it is possible to be smart about your options and reap often-significant savings. If you do incur medical debt, don’t ignore it. Instead, work...