How to Handle Marriage and Money Talks

Talking to your spouse about money can be difficult, but such conversations are vital to a healthy relationship. In fact, money problems are a common source of marital strife, so it’s important to maintain an open line of communication. What follows are some general guidelines for talking with your spouse about your family’s finances: Pick […]


How to Prevent Identity Theft and E-mail Scams

While fraud and identity theft have been around for years, it’s easier than ever for scammers to gain access to your personal information. While there’s nothing you can do to protect yourself with 100% certainty, there are some precautionary steps that you can take to protect your identity and finances. In this article, I’ve compiled […]


Budgeting and Automation: Streamline Your Finances

Budgeting can be a daunting task. It takes time and effort, and it’s not necessarily fun. The keys to having a successful budget are to make it: (1) realistic, and (2) easy to maintain. Some people mistakenly assume that having a budget means cutting their expenses to the bone and hoarding their money for the […]


Lending Money to Family and Friends

Lending money to family and friends is a bit like walking a tightrope, and it’s very easy for things to go wrong. With the ongoing recession affecting so many people, you might be tempted to lend money to a loved one in hopes of helping them out. While this might sound like a good idea […]


Five Tips for Dealing With Job Loss

In early 2009, the Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that over 40 states recorded an increase over last year in the number of layoffs. In February alone over 600, 000 workers were caught up in layoffs. If you and your family have found yourself in this position, here are some steps to help you cope […]


Save Money With Do-it-Yourself Car Repairs

True story: My brother’s car broke down and we couldn’t get it to move. My husband, my brother, and I pushed it off the main road and called around to see what it could be done. We got the car towed to a local shop (our previous mechanic retired, so we just found someone nearby). […]