asking for help by negotiating bills

How to Negotiate Bills During the Pandemic

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...


preparing for 2020 taxes

Get Ready to File Your 2020 Taxes

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. ...


woman avoiding online shopping mistakes

Are You Making These Online Shopping Mistakes?

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’...


most important financial lessons of 2020

The Most Important Financial Lessons of 2020

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.   An Emergency Fund is a Must We’ve been preaching...


is it time to break up with your bank

How to Know When It’s Time to Break Up with Your Bank

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.     How Long Has i...


Woman in a Santa hat doing her Black Friday shopping online

Save Money with Black Friday Shopping Online

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 ...


5 Unexpected Expenses of Having a Baby

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.     Life Insurance Itâ...


Vacation Canceled? Use the Funds to Support Your Financial Goals

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...


hipster guy realizing he has made a pandemic money mistake

Avoid These 5 Pandemic Money Mistakes

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...