Tax filing season officially kicks off in mid-February, but how many times have you found yourself scrambling to gather your documents at the last minute? Being well-prepared for income tax filing can be the difference between receiving a substantial tax return or facing a surprise bill from the government. Here’s how you can get organized…
Author: budgetsense
How your Spare Change can Pay for Big Purchases!
Did you know you can use nickels, dimes, quarters, loonies, and toonies to pay for significant expenses? I did exactly that by using change saved in a piggy bank to cover over $800 of my dental treatment for braces. It took less than 18 months to save this amount, and it didn’t feel like a…
Budgeting for Big Purchases Without Touching Your Savings
In your budget, a ‘savings’ category is essential for emergencies or general savings. But what if you want to purchase something pricey, like a vacation or new furniture? Instead of dipping into savings, create a new category dedicated to the specific item…
The College Debt Trap: How to Break Free
The college experience is often painted as a carefree time of exploration and growth. Yet, for many young people, it’s marred by a looming financial shadow: debt. The insidious nature of credit card offers on campus has turned this pivotal chapter into a financial minefield. Credit card companies have cleverly targeted college students, preying on…
Find and Fix Hidden Budget Drains with a Simple Log
It’s astonishing how easily money can slip through our fingers, often without us even realizing where it’s going. While we’re aware of the obvious expenses like gas, groceries, and utility bills, there are hidden costs that quietly drain our finances. These unnoticed expenses are like leaks in your budget—leaks that need to be identified and…
Maximizing Your Money: The Power of Twitter in Personal Finance
Twitter isn’t just for trending hashtags and celebrity gossip—it’s a goldmine for your wallet. Imagine turning those 280 characters into 280 dollars, or more. Yes, you read that right. Twitter can help you save money, and even make some along the way. Intrigued? Let’s dive into how you can leverage the power of Twitter to…
Gas Budgeting could Save you lots of Money
While Tesla and other electric vehicles (EVs) are making strides toward a greener future, they might not yet be within reach for everyone. Until EVs become more accessible, many of us continue to rely on our current gas-powered cars, known as internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Here’s how to navigate the ongoing costs and manage…
The Truth Behind Your Friends’ Lavish Lifestyle: What They Don’t Want You to Know
Your friends and coworkers are buying new cars, taking vacation after vacation, and seem to afford anything they desire. You, on the other hand, struggle to find the money even for affordable items. Why are your friends and others around you able to afford these luxuries while you can’t? Some of these people aren’t even…
Budgeting is about Organization not Restriction, Efficiency not Sacrifices
Talk about budgeting, and some people envision a restrictive “financial diet” that saps the joy out of life. They picture endless spreadsheets and deprivation. But this couldn’t be further from the truth! Budgeting is about taking control of your finances, not becoming a slave to them. It’s about organizing your spending so you can actually…
How a Thriving Body Unlocks a Prosperous Wallet
Can good health lead to greater wealth? Conversely, can being wealthy contribute to better health? There are many perspectives on these questions, but in general, the answer is a resounding YES, especially when you take the time to analyze the connection between the two. Being Healthy is Good for Your Finances For me personally, and…