I’ve written before about our coupon strategy and how we save thousands of dollars with coupons each year. But there’s another way to save money that is actually a lot of fun and it doesn’t require much work on your part. Companies still send coupons and free samples in the mail – yes, the old fashioned ‘snail’ mail. All you have to do is request for them to send you the samples or coupons and they’ll mail it out to... Read more
Have you ever given a gift and it just didn’t have the effect you desired? Maybe you’ve given one too many gift cards and you’re ready for something different – something creative! Here are some better ways you can give and make someone’s day! Whether you are giving to a stranger or someone you know, they’ll be sure to love these gift ideas. 10 Creative Gift Ideas People Love! 1. Send a plain white card with one compliment inside. The... Read more
Debt is a major financial burden that can have you stressed out, living paycheck to paycheck, and could eventually push you into bankruptcy. Most people want to get out of debt, but they’re not exactly sure where to start. Here are a few strategies that will allow you to break free from the bondage of debt – and some that you probably shouldn’t use. Some of these you can use concurrently, and others you’ll want to use one at a... Read more
Going on vacation offers us the chance to relax and unwind – but some take it a little bit too far and throw all the rules out the window – including their budget rules! If you’re thinking of embarking on a vacation soon, think of this as a cautionary tale – and whatever you do, don’t skimp on insurance with an overly cheap vacation insurance policy. Get the right policy, e.g. travel insurance or extreme sports insurance. Transportation Risks If... Read more
Going to the movies is no longer an inexpensive night out, especially if you have a family. Where I live, movie ticket prices are bumping up to $11.75 each for a first run movie for an adult. “Student discounts” – always worth using – aren’t much help; the tickets are maybe a dollar or two cheaper. And concession prices certainly add to the expense. But there are ways to save money on entertainment, and if you go to the movies... Read more
Have you ever been in any of these situations? It’s Christmas time, and you’re wondering how you’re going to pay for all the gifts you want to buy – without going into credit card debt. It’s summer time, and you’d like to take a vacation to Hawaii. But again, you don’t want to go into debt just to enjoy it. You see a house you’d like to buy, but wonder if you have the down payment needed to get a... Read more
Job hunting isn’t most people’s idea of a pleasant experience, but there may be some redemption at tax time. There are certain job hunting expenses that are tax-deductible, and may give you a break on your income tax at the end of the year. Below are typical job hunting expenses that are tax-deductible. There are limitations on these deductions, that we’ll get to near the end of the post. Basic Job Hunting Expenses The IRS allows you to deduct job... Read more
Looking for some great budgeting software programs? Look no further. Whether you are wanting to manage your personal finances or business finances, there’s a budget program here for you. Consider each of these carefully before you make your selection however, as each have their strengths and weaknesses. 1. Mint Mint is by far one of the most popular personal finances applications around. Because it is web-based, you can easily view your budget from any available computer. In addition, you can... Read more
In 1 Chronicles 16:11 NASB we are called to “Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually.” Here are four resources that I’ve been using to try to do this. And the best part about each of them is that they’re free. 1. Blue Letter Bible I like BlueLetterBible.org because as I read a passage of Scripture, I’ll usually come across a word whose meaning is not so clear to me. Fortunately, the Blue Letter Bible has a... Read more
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Quicken Loans. All opinions are 100% mine. by Clayton Closson You read that title correctly. An estimated 2.7 million American households could refinance to today’s mortgage rates (which are still very low, in case you haven’t been paying attention) through the gov’s HARP program. And they can do it even if they owe more money than their home is worth. Up to 200%. But they aren’t. And we don’t know why. Why... Read more
Faith and Finance
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