Do you earn a good salary but still feel like you struggle to make ends meet every month? Or maybe you run out and spend your paycheck the minute it hits your bank account, forgetting that you've already got bills and credit cards to pay. Money management can be intimidating, and many people feel overwhelmed, unsure of where to begin. The good news is that with just a few simple skills, you can change how you think about money…
No one likes being in debt, but it can be tough to figure out how much to pay and how quickly to maximize your paycheck and get out of debt. When you apply for a loan at a bank, they look at your debt-to-income ratio with the expectation that your monthly debt payments are less than 36% of your gross income. Ideally, you want that figure to be 10%, but even 20% is quite good. With that in mind,…
For many people, budgeting can be tedious and stressful. It seems easier to avoid it – and in the short term, it may be. But you know that long-term you need to have a budget. Thankfully, it's a lot easier to create a budget with the help of some great apps. No more tearing your hair out in front of an Excel spreadsheet – try one of these specialty apps instead. Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which…
With Christmas fast approaching, you may be looking to buy a computer or laptop for someone on your list. If so, this post is for you! In addition to determining your budget, there are other factors to consider before finalizing your purchase. Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click a link and make a purchase (at no additional cost). We only recommend products and services we use and trust.…
Donations to charity not only support your favorite causes or contribute to your friend's and loved ones' walks, runs, or other fundraising efforts, they’re also a tax deduction. If you donate a lot or regularly, it can be a fairly significant tax break. However, in order to claim the tax deduction, you need to have the right documentation in the form of either a bank record or other written communication from the charitable organization for donations of any amount.…