Article LibraryDebt Management and Budgeting GuideBudget Planning
 The idea of creating and living on a budget is overwhelming. Breaking that process into smaller tasks, though, will make it easier. When you are able to concentrate on one or two areas of budget planning at a time, you gain a better understanding of the entire process and you stand a better chance of creating a budget that you will actually follow. Whatever your experience and wherever you are in the budget process, these articles will provide the guidance you need to learn and create a workable document.
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| Resolving to Get Out of Debt This Year |
| There seems to be a running joke that New Year's resolutions never last. (Why else would we have to keep making them every year?) But if you take the right approach to a resolution such as “getting out of debt”, there's no reason you can't be successful. If you've been working to get out of debt and are not happy with your progress, or feel that you are starting to backslide, it's probably time to reassess your budget and fine-tune your strategy. The best way to get started is to: get organized, assess your current situation, develop a strategy that works for you, and make sure your goals are realistic. View Article |
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| Keeping Warm in the Winter – Without Spending a Bundle |
| In most parts of the country, utility usage rises in the winter months. This isn't surprising since with less daylight and colder weather we spend more time indoors, so the need for heating, water heating, and lighting is greatest during these months. Of course, this also means that the accompanying utility bills rise as well. You can't do anything to change the temperature outside, but with a little bit of planning and effort, you can take steps to keep you comfortable while you're inside without spending a fortune. View Article |
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| Holiday Gift Giving on a Budget |
| Trying to find the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday list can be time-consuming, frustrating, and expensive. Many people find that this experience causes them to overspend their holiday budget - assuming they were prudent enough to set a budget limit in the first place. Unfortunately for some, the only budget limit they set is the limit on their credit cards and the holiday shopping only ends when this limit is reached. View Article |
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| Back to School Savings |
| If you have school-age children, you probably have mixed feelings about the approach of a new school year. You may be looking forward to the relative peace and quiet of having them back in school after a long summer break. At the same time, you are probably dreading the preparation and expense involved in getting them ready to head back. The key to smart shopping for the new school year is to have a plan. View Article |
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| Beat the Heat, Without Battering Your Budget |
| Summer is here and with it comes lots of sun and relentless heat. It's only natural to want to stay as cool as possible, but unfortunately, one of the most expensive systems to run in a home is air-conditioning. With a little bit of planning, you can reduce your dependence on air conditioning or at least limit how much you use it View Article |
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| The Dirty Dozen Credit Card Traps |
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Does the credit card industry profit mostly from interest rates?
Yes.
But wait, there's more...
View Article |
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| 101 Ways to Trim Your Budget |
| Managing your finances is never easy—just ask any of the millions of Americans who struggle on a daily basis to live within their means. The key to successful financial management is effective budgeting. Unfortunately, creating a budget and sticking to it can be extremely difficult—but it is doable. Read on for 101 ways you can reduce your budget (and your stress) with a little planning, patience and practicality. So, are you ready to take control of your financial future? View Article |
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| 101 Ways to Save One Dollar a Week |
| Is your rainy day fund all wet? Every paycheck, you plan to save, but it seems like there's nothing left over after bills and creditors get their share. It's getting tougher to pay the bills on time, let alone save any money! Don't fret; there's a solution. There are a lot of ways to put another dollar in your pocket here and there. View Article |
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| Elements of Financial Planning |
| Who needs a financial plan anyway? You do! A carpenter doesn't build a house without a blueprint - can you build a secure future without a financial plan? View Article |
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| Financial Record Keeping |
| If you are like most people, you have mounds of receipts and papers sitting on a desk or overflowing in a shoebox. Having an organized system for your financial records will save you and your family time and aggravation in the future. View Article |
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| How Much Is Too Much When It Comes To Planning Your Budget? |
| Do you know how much of your income should be spent on things such as housing and food? Creating and maintaining a budget is easier if you apply some basic guidelines. View Article |
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| Map Out Your Financial Future |
| Create a map of your financial transactions and you'll see where your money actually goes each month. Preparing a monthly set of personal financial statements gives you the information you need to effectively manage your finances and improve your financial status. View Article |
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| Where Does Your Money Go? |
| Ever wonder where your hard-earned money goes each month? You can find out by simply organizing your finances through a budget. View Article |
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| Making Every Penny Count |
| Are you in charge of your spending or is your spending in charge of you? Learn how to manage your expenses and meet your financial goals. View Article |
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| You're In It Together: Talking to Your Partner About Money |
| Ask any couple what they fight about, and most will tell you "money". It's a hot-button topic with almost everyone, partly because it so directly affects the way we live our lives. View Article |
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| Summer Vacations – Can You Stay on Budget? |
| For a lot of people, summertime means one thing: taking a vacation. But vacations can be expensive. With some advanced planning, you can have fun in the sun away from home. And you can do it all without breaking the bank. View Article |
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| Negotiating Strategies…When Haggling Makes Cents |
| In many cultures, haggling is a time honored tradition. In modern day America, however, it's been less commonplace with the exception of yard sales or big ticket items like autos or real estate. View Article |
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| The Super Market, on a Super Budget |
| For most families, the grocery bill is the biggest variable expense in their budget – and provides the most opportunity to save money. View Article |
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