Many Americans go into debt as a result of unexpected expenses each year. Enter: the emergency fund, the hidden hero of your financial plan. An emergency fund is your financial safety net, a supply of funds saved to protect you from debt in the face of an unexpected financial crisis. By starting an emergency fund, you can take important steps to prepare for the financial burdens that come your way when you least expect them.
Tax season is a high risk, high reward time of year. Unfortunately, if you – like many – find yourself perplexed by borderline unintelligible tax codes, you may fall victim to penalties and legal repercussions from the IRS. Having a firm grasp of the tax code at all levels of government, on the other hand, can save you hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars via deductions and credits.
We may think that we need to make a choice about whether to eat healthy or to eat cheap, but saving money doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. If you’re smart about your weekly trip to the supermarket you can eat healthy, high-quality food, while keeping extra cash in your pocket. Follow these grocery bill hacks to get what you need without breaking the bank.
Parenthood is one of life’s most exciting and rewarding endeavors. But it’s also a difficult – perhaps even overwhelming – undertaking. Caring for and raising a newborn human being into a healthy adult is a physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially daunting task. While you may be prepared for the physical, mental, and emotional responsibilities of parenthood, many new parents struggle to prepare their finances.
The big vacation you’ve been dreaming of taking is finally in the works. Chances are you’ve diligently saved money for your trip and have set a budget for how much you want to spend. Though you might be worried that the words “budget” and “fun” don’t necessarily go hand in hand, limiting your spending doesn’t need to ruin your vacation. In fact, there are a range of ways to save money on everything from transportation to dining and entertainment. Here are some ideas to consider before your next trip to minimize your spending while maximizing your fun.
