Lifestyle Creep
Ever feel like no matter how much you earn, you’re still living paycheck to paycheck? You get a raise, but a few months later, it’s as if that extra income never existed. That’s lifestyle creep—when your spending grows to match your income. In this blog post, I’ll show you how to prevent lifestyle creep from sneaking up on you and offer tips to help you save more and spend smarter. Take control of your finances and build long-term security with simple strategies that work, even after a raise!
How To Teach Kids About Money
Discover how I’m teaching my kids the value of money through hands-on lessons in earning, spending, and budgeting. From paid chores to making their own financial choices, they’ll learn the importance of managing their money early on.
Sinking Funds
Sinking funds are one of the best ways to stay on top of your finances and avoid unexpected expenses derailing your budget. By setting aside money every paycheck for specific categories—like gifts, home repairs, and vacations—you can plan ahead with confidence. Learn how to make sinking funds work for you and take control of your financial journey!
The Four Types of Money Personalities
When it comes to managing money, everyone has their own unique approach. Whether you're someone who believes that money is the key to happiness or someone who prefers to avoid thinking about finances altogether, your "money personality" can significantly impact your financial well-being. In this blog, we'll explore the four common money personalities—Money Worship, Money Avoidance, Money Vigilance, and Money Status—and how understanding your tendencies can help you make smarter financial decisions.
Cost of Having a Baby (Beyond Diapers and Formula)
When preparing for a baby, many parents focus on costs like diapers and formula, but there are bigger financial considerations to plan for. Maternity leave, daycare, and hospital expenses can significantly impact your budget. By understanding these costs ahead of time, you can better prepare for the financial side of parenthood and reduce the stress of unexpected expenses.
Planning for a Debt-Free Christmas
Are you ready for Christmas shopping? As a self-proclaimed gift-giver, I've been there—spending more each year and even going into debt to make the holidays special. But I've found a better way. By starting a Christmas sinking fund and setting a budget for each person on my list, I can enjoy the season without financial stress. It’s not too late to start saving! Learn how to plan ahead and make this Christmas joyful and debt-free.
How Our Family Successfully Transitioned from Two Incomes to One
Making the leap from two incomes to one was a big decision for our family, but with careful planning, we made it work. By redoing our budget, leveraging our emergency savings, and increasing my income, we created a stable financial foundation that allowed my husband to pursue his dream of becoming a content creator. If you're considering a similar move, these steps can help you make a smooth transition while maintaining financial security.
What is a B Corp and Why Should You Care?
B Corps are redefining what it means to be a successful business. These companies prioritize social and environmental responsibility, balancing profit with purpose. With over 8,000 certified B Corps across more than 100 countries, brands like Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s, and Allbirds are leading the charge in making a positive impact on the world. By supporting B Corps, whether through purchasing their products or investing in their missions, you can contribute to a business movement that values people and the planet as much as profits.
Budgeting for Beginners Using the 50/30/20 Principle
Are you just starting out on your budgeting journey? The 50/30/20 rule is a simple yet effective way to manage your finances without feeling overwhelmed. This method breaks down your income into three categories—Needs, Wants, and Savings—allowing you to prioritize spending and plan for the future.
How to Budget for Groceries During High Inflation
Struggling with high grocery prices? You’re not alone. With inflation on the rise, it can feel impossible to feed your family without breaking the bank. But don’t worry—I’ve got some practical tips to help you lower your grocery bill without sacrificing nutrition. From smart bulk buys to meal planning and savvy shopping strategies, these tips will help you stretch your dollars further at the grocery store.
5 Things I Don’t Spend Money On to Free Up My Budget
Effective budgeting often requires sacrificing in some areas. In this blog, I share five areas where I've chosen to cut back, from skipping salon visits to thrifting clothes, all to create more financial flexibility. These decisions reflect my personal priorities and might inspire you to identify where you can save while staying true to what matters most to you.
3 Priorities I Choose to Spend Money On
Discover how personal priorities shape budgeting choices in this insightful blog post where I outline three areas of spending that may seem a little indulgent to some. Explore how identifying your own priorities can help you budget more effectively for what truly matters to you.
How to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck (5/5): Why You Need an Emergency Savings Fund and a High-Yield Savings Account
Learn the importance of building an emergency savings fund and how a high-yield savings account can maximize your financial security. This blog explores why setting aside money for unexpected expenses is crucial and how choosing the right savings account can grow your fund faster, ensuring you're prepared for life's surprises while making the most of your hard-earned money.
How to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck (4/5): Why You Should Maximize Your Employer’s 401(k) Match
Maximize your retirement savings by taking full advantage of your employer’s 401(k) match. This blog breaks down how employer matching works, why it's essentially free money for your future, and how contributing enough to get the full match can significantly boost your retirement fund. Don't leave money on the table—learn how to make the most of this valuable benefit.
How to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck (3/5): Strategies to Break Free from High-Interest Debt
Escape the burden of high-interest debt and take control of your financial future. This blog offers practical strategies for breaking free from costly debt. Learn how to reduce interest payments, accelerate your debt payoff, and regain financial peace of mind.
How to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck (2/5): Budget
Unlock the power of budgeting to take control of your finances. This blog delves into why creating a budget is essential for achieving your financial goals, managing expenses, and building savings. Discover how a well-planned budget helps you make informed spending decisions, reduces financial stress, and empowers you to live within your means while planning for the future.
How to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck (1/5): 5 Essential Steps
Break the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck and gain financial stability. This blog offers actionable tips on how to manage your money more effectively, build an emergency fund, and prioritize savings. Learn how to create a realistic budget, cut unnecessary expenses, and set financial goals that will help you move from just getting by to building a secure financial future.
Calculating Your Net Worth: A Step-by-Step Guide
You are so much more than numbers on a balance sheet. That said, understanding your net worth is a key part of managing your finances, and it can be a fun and motivating exercise.
Preparing for a Potential Recession: What You Can Do Now
With recent economic indicators pointing towards a potential recession, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard your financial well-being. High unemployment rates, rising interest rates, and a downturn in the stock market are all signs that we may be heading into challenging times.
How to Stay Accountable with Your Finances Using Temptation Bundling
One of the biggest challenges in maintaining financial discipline is staying accountable. But there’s a simple technique that can make it easier: temptation bundling.