If you are someone who thinks finance and money management is too boring, stressful, or just complicated, then I have an easy solution for you: automation! Automation, in this instance, refers to setting up systems and tools that automatically manage various aspects of your finances without requiring constant attention. This can include automatic bill payments,…
Tag: Financial Planning
Balancing Summer Fun with Smart Spending: Are You Making This Common Mistake?
Is it just me, or do you spend a lot more money during summer than you usually do the rest of the year? There are more things to do, more places to be, and more friends to be with. This all requires more money than you would otherwise normally spend. I am not necessarily talking…
Unlocking the Mystery: How Do People Afford So Many Vacations?
Social media envy is real, but for me, it’s something somewhat related: I have what I like to call ‘social media curiosity.’ While not very active on platforms like Facebook, X, and others (fact: I have never had Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok accounts), the occasional times I do go online, one very common post I…
What I Did with an Extra $1,200 a Year: You Won’t Believe the Impact!
Last week, I wrote about how a simple switch of insurance providers has helped me save $100 per month. This week, and as promised in my aforementioned article, I am going to cover in more details about how I am spending this saved money. While $100 may not seem like a lot to some, when…
The Unexpected Windfall that Boosted My Savings Rate (But There’s a Catch!)
Recently, I did the math and realized I was saving just about 21% of my net income. While this is good considering my living situation, family expenses, and other factors, I thought it would be even better to increase my savings rate to 25%. However, without making major changes or sacrifices, I couldn’t just boost…
The Art of Debt Prevention: Lessons Learned from Past Mistakes
Many of us can relate to this scenario: after diligently paying off our credit card debt, we feel a surge of relief and accomplishment. However, it’s disheartening to see our debt slowly creep back up over time, ultimately leading us to realize that we’re on the verge of starting the debt repayment journey all over…
Take Your Time: A Thoughtful Approach to Tax Returns and Avoiding Costly Mistakes
As the annual income tax season looms, it’s essential to approach the process with foresight and preparation. Whether you’re eagerly anticipating a refund or resigned to the prospect of payment, ensuring a smooth experience hinges on meticulous organization and attention to detail. By gathering all necessary documents, such as T-4s and tax statements, and thoughtfully…
Is Saving Money Really Forever? When Does “Enough” Become “Too Much”?
When was the last time you said to yourself: ‘I am spending too much; I better start saving’? On the other hand, when was the last time you said to yourself: ‘Man, I am saving too much money and need to start spending more’? The first question is not only more likely for the vast…
Beyond Goals: The Power of Lifestyle Alignment for Success in Health, Skills, and Wealth
We’ve all been there: striving to achieve a particular goal, whether it’s shedding pounds or mastering a new skill, only to find ourselves faltering with each attempt. But why does this happen? Weren’t we told that setting goals is the key to success? While setting goals is undoubtedly important, it’s just the beginning. Merely establishing…
Price Hikes and Penny Pinching: The Tale of a 10-Cent Boston Cream Pie
On a recent grocery shopping trip, my eyes were intrigued by something completely unusual. It was something I had never seen before, or at least in my 28+ years of grocery shopping as an adult. No, I didn’t come into contact with a smart robot that was there to shop for its human owner, nor…