Budgets
How to Truly MANAGE Money With Mint.com
Thursday, January 26th, 2012
If you’ve been following this series of instructional videos on how to use Mint.com, the hard work is now done. You’ve opened an account, connected it with your bank or credit union and credit cards, and set up a budget. As you’ll see in the following video, now you’re ready to start truly managing money ... [Read more]
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The Single Most Powerful Personal Finance Tool
Friday, January 20th, 2012
If a tool was available that would give you a strong sense of control over your finances and help keep your financial stress low, wouldn’t you use it? If a tool was available that served as a financial roadmap, showing you clearly how to live within your means, be generous, and save or invest for ... [Read more]
The Key to Getting the Most From Mint.com
Wednesday, January 18th, 2012
Using a budget is not a one-size-fits-all sort of deal. You could use a paper & pencil system, the envelope system, an Excel spreadsheet, software like Quicken, or an online tool like Mint.com. For those interested in giving Mint a try, I’m showing how in a series of short instructional videos. In the video below, ... [Read more]
Getting Started With Mint.com
Wednesday, January 11th, 2012
As we look in detail at each of the 11 core financial principles that form the foundation of my work, the core tool that enables us to put those principles into action is a budget. People who’ve never used a budget usually hate the idea. They think of a budget as the wicked witch of ... [Read more]
Two Steps For Better Money Management in Marriage
Tuesday, September 27th, 2011
With all the stuff two people bring into a marriage, it’s no wonder that money is a very frequent topic of dispute. They were raised by different sets of parents who did the whole money thing in their unique way. They had different personal financial experiences. They have different temperaments, and they bring into marriage ... [Read more]
Money Roundup: How to Land a Job Interview, Never Miss a Bill Payment, and More
Friday, August 26th, 2011
Looking for some personal finance news you can use? You’ve come to the right place – five of the best recent articles from mainstream sites, and five from personal finance bloggers. Many Prescription Drugs Are Getting Cheaper Soon (via Main Street). Good advice on getting the best prices for your meds – especially helpful for ... [Read more]
How a Budget Leads to Financial Freedom
Monday, July 25th, 2011
People who’ve never used a budget – or cash flow plan, as I prefer – usually assume it’ll be restrictive. They think of a budget as something you go on like a diet. They see budgets as being about cutting back, tightening the belt, reining themselves in. For them, budgets are about less. But a ... [Read more]
Mint’s New Debt Reduction Tool: A Review
Friday, February 25th, 2011
This week, popular free online budget site Mint.com launched a new tool that helps people figure out when they could be out of debt and keeps them updated on their progress. I’ll explain how it works, along with its pros and cons, in a minute. But first, a little background. Making Budgets Cool When Mint ... [Read more]
How to Budget: Don’t Miss This Step
Tuesday, February 8th, 2011
Regular readers know I highly recommend that everyone use a budget, or as I prefer, a Cash Flow Plan. It’s the most powerful tool I know of for smart money management. There are three steps involved in using a Cash Flow Plan. First, plan the use of your income. How much will you give, save, ... [Read more]
How to Talk About Money Before Marriage
Friday, February 4th, 2011
When you’re getting to know the person you’re thinking about marrying, there’s so much to learn. Some of it comes about through questions as you ask each other about past experiences and future goals. Some of it also comes about through observation. Does he respect his parents? Is she usually on time? But it isn’t ... [Read more]
