Improving Your Personal Financial Future

A recent poll shows that most Americans have been shaken by the recession and are no longer optimistic about the economy improving any time soon. In addition, researchers found that many people, especially women are fearful about their personal financial future. In many cases, women admitted to saving less for retirement because they are “just getting by” or are desperately trying to pay off current debts, including school loans. The poll’s results have many financial experts concerned that individuals are not building a large enough retirement nest egg. This is especially true for the female respondents who stand to suffer … Continue reading

Ways to Save: Savvy Shopping

I’ve seen TLC’s megahit, “Extreme Couponing” on many occasions, and each time I view it I’m left asking this question: Where are these people shopping that they can double or triple their coupons? Clearly, not in Wisconsin. I don’t know of any grocery store in the state that doubles coupons. And if I am wrong, I would love for you to let me know. I could actually save money if I’m incorrect. What a concept. I am an avid coupon-er, though I don’t dumpster dive nor do I steal newspapers from other people’s homes. Rather, I simply use what I … Continue reading

Tips For Saving For A Rainy Day

For the past two days I have been cooped up inside because it is raining. What does this have to do with money? Well, there is always the popular saying “saving for a rainy day”. The phrase implies that it is important to set aside money now so that we will have it available when we need it later. There are many unplanned expenses that can come up, and having a “rainy day” fund can help to lessen the impact on your regular budget when, say, the hot water heater breaks or you suddenly find yourself jobless. In the current … Continue reading

Every Little Bit Counts When Saving For College

I know from personal experience just how much it costs to go to college these days. Now that I have a child, I sometimes find myself wondering what the cost of a higher education will be by the time that my son is old enough to attend. He is just about eighteen months old right now, so I have a while to plan for it but that does not make me worry any less. When I attended college as an undergraduate, I was extremely lucky in that my parents had made saving for college a priority and they paid for … Continue reading

We’re Broke! Why Do We Need a Financial Planner?! Part 1

After my divorce, the financial planner who had worked with my former husband and I continued to call me every six months or so, wondering if I was ready to put a new financial plan into place. I was flattered, if a little confused, about why he was bothering with me. I had primary physical custody of our infant daughter, I was receiving no financial support from her dad, and I was working for a notoriously underpaying local non-profit. Let’s face it, I was broke. The answer to the question, of course, is that it is an undisputed fact that … Continue reading

Good Old-Fashioned Savings

Finances are one of those stressful topics that come up again and again for the average single parent. We struggle to make enough money and make what we do have stretch as far as it can. There are questions about insurance, education, and credit and all sorts of other financial concerns that pop up again and again. Even for those of us on the tightest budgets, there is something to be said for good, old-fashioned savings… I think that it doesn’t matter how little we make, we can still put some away in savings. I am not talking about living … Continue reading

Money Week in Review: September 30-October 6

There were a wide variety of topics covered in Money this last week. You can learn a little bit about saving, handling your accounts and helping others. Has a check you have written become lost and stolen? You can learn what you need to do to protect yourself in Stopping Payment on a Check. This also talks about what the bank does to stop payment. Miriam encourages you to work with your spouse when it comes to money in Work Together on Your Finances. This blog emphasizes the importance of starting by planning together. After you have done the initial … Continue reading

Does Your Current Phase in Life Affect Your Money Management Choices?

As you consider money management it is important to realize that life runs in phases. Your needs and planning will need to be adjusted according to the phase that you are currently in. Recognizing these phases and your responsibilities while in these phases will help you to plan for a more secure future. The first phase is that of a young professional or worker. In this phase you should work on getting out of debt. It is also a good idea to begin saving for retirement aggressively at this phase of life. The more you save now the less you … Continue reading