In light of the ongoing financial crisis and economic mood, there seems to be a growing number of people re-evaluating gift giving, i.e. the site: No Christmas Gifts This Year. Gift giving is a lot of things for different people. It can be a burden when you have no idea what to get your distant [...]
Part 2 of 5 in Tips for Budgeting
Tracking Numbers - Knowledge is Power
1. Category Pools aka the Envelope Method - Discipline is required here. If you put $25 into the restaurant envelope then you must hold yourself to spending only $25 in restaurants that week. When the week (or whatever time period you’ve set) is [...]
Part 3 of 5 in Tips for Budgeting
Planning Ahead - There is always a Sale
1. Research - Amazon (and other websites) are brimming with user reviews on almost everything. Generic brands are often cheaper for the similar quality (though not always, so read reviews!). Sometimes paying more for the non-generic will be a better-longer lasting [...]
Part 4 of 5 in Tips for Budgeting
Involving Community - You are not alone
1. Accountability - Budgeting sucks when you have no more money in your restaurant envelope and everyone else is going out to eat. Budgeting can feel lonely and overwhelming, so involve your community. When we share about our financial decisions and are open [...]
Most would agree that budgeting is a good habit. It keeps us from spending beyond our means and helps us save for rainy days. But in practice many people find themselves on the extremes of the financial spectrum. They are either spending above and beyond their means or they are stingily hoarding money for a possible future [...]
