Tips for Managing Friendship and Finances
Misunderstandings about money have caused the downfall of many friendships. Because we all have different backgrounds and experiences, we all approach money and financial issues in our own unique ways...
Understanding the Differences Between Banks and Credit Unions
With the option of traditional banks, online-only banks and credit unions, consumers have more choices than ever when it comes to where to conduct their financial business. Many factors go into choosi...
Understanding Payroll Deductions
When was the last time you took a good look at your paycheck stub? It’s probably been a while, especially if you have direct deposit. Many companies now manage all payroll tasks electronically, whic...
Everything You Need to Know About Budgeting
One of the most important things you can do to help you reach your financial goals is establishing and following a budget. Though it may seem overwhelming at first, breaking down the process into m...
How to Budget with Inconsistent Income
Most advice on budgeting makes the assumption that you’re working with a set amount of income each month. But what if you’re not? People who are self-employed, freelancers, artists, or whose income relies heavily on tips and commission are all subject to inconsistent income that fluctuates from month-to-month. I...
Planning for Fixed, Variable and Periodic Expenses
One of the most important parts of planning and sticking to your budget is understanding the differences between fixed, variable and periodic expenses. Knowing what types of expenses you have and how ...
5 Benefits of Maintaining Good Credit
By now, you probably know that a high credit score is better than a low one, but do you know all the reasons that’s true? A good credit score and solid credit history can have a positive impact on m...
How to Negotiate a Raise
We could all use more in our paychecks every two weeks, but negotiating for a raise can be an intimidating process. Asking for a raise can leave the impression that you're dissatisfied with your current position or unwilling to continue working hard unless you see more money. But handled correctly, negotiating for a raise will ...
The Thrifty Homebuyer: How to Budget for Your First Home
Buying a house is the single largest investment most of us will make. For many new homeowners, it’s a joyful experience, resulting from hard work, careful planning and prudent saving. For others, the financial impact of home ownership – and the extra costs they didn’t plan on – puts a damper on buying a home, creating on...
For Better or Worse: Should Couples Marry Finances?
In the not-too-distant past, couples didn’t think much about combining their finances. After marriage, they would open joint bank accounts, take out a mortgage together, and share all of the income ...