As we inch toward normalcy more than a year into the pandemic, many Americans are still dealing with the economic impact it has created. Whether it’s unemployment, reduced income or dealing with the medical bills after suffering COVID, individuals and families are struggling to make ends meet. Negotiating bills during the pandemic is one way to s...
Most of us are more than happy to put 2020 in the rearview mirror. But you’re going to have to revisit it at least one more time when you file your taxes for last year. Believe it or not, the filing deadline is just over two months away, so it’s time to start giving it some thought. Here are some things to consider when filing your 2020 taxes. ...
From groceries to gifts to household essentials, many of us have shopped online more in the past year than we ever have before. It’s safer, easier and more convenient than going into stores. Unfortunately, it can also be more expensive. And there are several common online shopping mistakes that cause people to spend more than they need to. Let’...
As we bid farewell to 2020 (not a moment too soon), one thing is sure: it was a year filled with learning experiences. And many of those lessons were financial in nature. Let’s take a look at the biggest financial lessons of 2020, and how we can use what we’ve learned in 2021 and beyond. Â
An Emergency Fund is a Must
We’ve been preaching...
Unless something goes wrong, most of us don’t spend much time thinking about our bank. But even when everything is going smoothly, it’s good to periodically evaluate your bank and the services you use there to make sure it’s helping you reach your financial goals. If not, it’s probably time to break up with your bank.  Â
How Long Has i...
So many things have been different this year, and now we can add Black Friday shopping to the list. Much of the country is expected to experience a continued surge of new coronavirus infections over the coming weeks. This is why health experts strongly recommend folks opt-out of traditional Black Friday shopping in packed, poorly ventilated stores ...
If you’re expecting a baby, you have probably already started adjusting your budget for things like decorating the nursery and buying diapers, wipes, and supplies. But there are many expenses related to having a baby that takespeople by surprise. Let’s take a look at some of the unexpected expenses of having a baby.  Â
Life Insurance
Itâ...
Many consumers have had their travel plans sidelined by the COVID-19 pandemic. If you had money saved for a trip this year you didn’t end up taking, you might be wondering how to best use those funds to help you reach your financial goals. Here are several constructive things to do with your unused vacation money.
Emergency Fund      Â...
There’s no doubt 2020 has been one of most unsettling years in recent memory. For many, it’s meant job loss or reduced income. And even if you’ve maintained full employment over the last several months, staying focused has been challenging. All this has led to people making some common pandemic money mistakes. Let’s see what they are, and h...
If you’ve ever looked at a debt-free friend or family member and wondered what their secret was, you might be surprised to know there isn’t one. In fact, most debt-free people share a common set of habits that help them achieve and maintain their financial freedom. Let’s take a look at seven habits of debt-free people.
Following a Budget
It...