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Does Budgeting Actually Cost You More Money?

Do you have a budget? Everyone says it is the best way to take control of your spending. Once you have spent your allotted amount for food, or gas, you’re done. Unfortunately it doesn’t always work like that. I read a study recently that said that people who have a budget can spend as much as 50% more than they were planning. This is said to be because budgeting starts in your mind. You are thinking constantly about what you can and cannot spend and that is what causes you to spend more. Many people who say they have a … Continue reading →

Budgeting for Brand New

The lure of luxuriating in a brand-new home, vehicle or outfit is extremely enticing for many people. However, being able to pay for all that glittery, brand-new goodness can be a challenge, especially if you struggle with saving and budgeting. Financial experts recommend carefully evaluating your income, spending habits and credit prior to purchasing new. For example, if you are eyeing a new vehicle, it’s a good idea to save at least 20 percent for a down payment rather than borrowing the total amount due. If you don’t have the cash, then look at raising some by trading in an … Continue reading →

Budgeting for the Holiday Meal

This year, it looks like we will be hosting Thanksgiving again. It is a preemptive strike on our part to avoid the arguments and indecision about who is hosting and where and when. Plus, we would rather trade the extra work for the travel and knowing that we can just zip our kids into their beds at the end of the day. Another reason that I am looking forward to hosting Thanksgiving this year is that we have our brand new (used) cherry dining room table that we picked up at a yard sale. We can finally seat 10 people … Continue reading →

New or Used Office Equipment?

We occasionally talk here in the Home Business blog about making purchases of office supplies and equipment. Depending on the type of business you are operating, equipment and supplies could be a major and constant concern or more of a periodic issue in your planning and budgeting. Even for those of us with relatively small businesses and minimal equipment needs, equipment may very well be one of our largest expenses. Deciding whether to buy brand new in a box, or consider something used or refurbished can be a major business decision. I know a few people who have bought used … Continue reading →

Welcome to a Brand New Fiscal Year

While there are some of us who have adjusted our home business fiscal years to be something other than the January through December calendar year, most of the people I talk to are still on a typical calendar year when it comes to planning, budgeting, taxes, etc. For the past month or two, I have been writing about some of the “end of the year” things that affect the average small, home business. But, now we are here! The first day of the next twelve months. Tradition for me in my home business warrants that I spend some time cleaning … Continue reading →

Save Now for Summer

It may be hard to think about summer when there is snow in the forecast and we haven’t even hit January. Even so, I suggest that you do think of summer, because if you plan ahead now, you will save later. Swimwear Believe it or not, some stores will start putting their swimwear out on the floor as soon as the Christmas season is over. In fact, we haven’t even hit Christmas, and I’ve already seen bikinis in department stores. Take advantage of this to get some advanced sales on brand new swimwear. After Christmas, use those gift cards you … Continue reading →

Growing Kids? Here are 5 Inexpensive Sources for Great Clothing

When the pants get too short and the shirts get too tight, you know it is time to invest in a whole new wardrobe for your kids. It can be a tough thing to swallow, spending lots of money on outfits that they will grow out of within a few short months. Things can get costly. Parents on a tight budget should take note of some off the beaten path sources for great kids clothing that will have the kids looking chic while the parents save money. 1. The clearance racks In July, you will find summer clothing marked from … Continue reading →

Stainless Steel Appliances

I’m thinking about remodeling my kitchen, ok, I’ve been thinking about it for a long time. Now it’s a money issue. I love researching ways to remodel my kitchen and what would a kitchen remodel be without new appliances? I love new appliances, the look, the feel, the sleek designs and the trendy colors. New appliances will eat up a large portion of your remodeling budget so it’s important to do your research. The latest trendy colors or even custom colors may be exactly what you’re looking for, but they may not be a good investment if you plan on … Continue reading →

Capping Christmas Spending

If there is any time of the year when people tend to bleed through money it’s the holiday season. Fortunately, you don’t have to seek out an emergency transfusion if you play your cards right. When preparing your household budget for the holidays remember to be creative. You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to lavish your loved ones with unique gifts. If you plan ahead and eliminate the temptation to purchase a slew of last minute gifts, you can save plenty of green. Procrastinating around the holidays typically comes with a hefty price tag, as retailers … Continue reading →

Cheap Doesn’t Have to Taste Bad

Remember how I suggested that buying store brand instead of name brand food items would be a great way to save money? Well, here’s another tip: Don’t buy generic ketchup. Live, learn, and modify, right? So, the ketchup idea was not a good one, but I wouldn’t have known unless I gave it a try. And no, I don’t plan to waste it and the money I spent on it. Rather, I plan to use it in recipes that call for ketchup instead of eating it straight up on fries. It doesn’t taste that bad, though I prefer Heinz. Now, … Continue reading →