budgeting
Many people stress about money — so they ignore how they spend it, making the problem even worse. If you want to take control of your financial life, build your savings, or start on a retirement plan before it’s too late, a solid budget is where you start. Here’s how to look at your spending habits and start managing your expenses wisely, so you can achieve all your financial goals and set new ones without the guilt and despair.
Zina Paid Off $28,000 of Debt in Three Years
August 2, 2017 | Brian Bienkowski
She put every extra penny toward her student loans and carefully tracked her spending.
Bring Your Budget Back to School
July 27, 2017 | Dori Zinn
More than half of parents shop with a back-to-school budget and expect a rise in expenses this year. But parents are working the extra expenses into their budget.
What’s Your Back-to-School Budget?
July 26, 2017 | Brandon Ballenger
After the holiday season, back-to-school shopping is the second largest spending event of the year. Nearly half of Americans will shop online, according to the National Retail Federation. In total, they’ll spend an estimated $83.6 billion — a more than 10 percent jump over last year, and a five-year high — to get grade school […]
Back-to-School Shopping: $73 Billion
July 25, 2017 | Dori Zinn
Kindergarten through college will cost consumers nearly $73 billion this back-to-school season, with college being roughly two-thirds of that.
Americans Define Wealth in Very Different Ways
July 18, 2017 | Gregory Cox
Think it means being rich? Think again.
QUIZ: Do You Know American Spending Habits?
June 5, 2017 | Emily Bloch
It’s like a really sad version of ‘The Price is Right,’ because the only prize is knowing how people budget
How to Prepare for and Deal With an Income Emergency
May 19, 2017 | Money Talks News
How quickly could you come up with $400? Many of us would need to borrow it.
Good And Bad News About Recession 2018
May 15, 2017 | Howard Dvorkin, CPA
The economic recovery is literally one step forward, one step back.
Should You Hire a Service to Negotiate Your Cable and Other Bills?
May 12, 2017 | Money Talks News
We tried out one of these services. Results? Meh.
Can Trump Keep His Promise To Leave Social Security Alone?
March 23, 2017 | Brandon Ballenger
He campaigned on not cutting entitlements, but conservatives think he has to.
8 Foolproof Steps to Get You Out of Debt Fast
February 10, 2017 | Money Talks News
Want to speed up your debt-reduction efforts? Here’s how to do so without a crash diet.
Having Bad Credit Makes Saving for Emergencies Nearly Impossible
February 6, 2017 | Dori Zinn
Most Americans can’t afford an unexpected expense and low credit scores have a lot to do with it.
Millennials Will Start Budgeting This Year
January 27, 2017 | Joe Pye
More than any other generation, they want to track their spending better in 2017
Budget Your Way to Your Financial Goals This Year
January 27, 2017 | Money Talks News
It may sound like as much fun as having your teeth drilled, but budgeting really isn’t that bad.
Half-Banked’s Desirae Odjick Budgets For Dog Toys
January 25, 2017 | Brian Bienkowski
Here’s how she obsessively tracks every penny — by hand.
The Most Important New Year’s Resolution To Keep [video]
January 23, 2017 | Howard Dvorkin, CPA
You need to create a budget — although believe it or not, that’s a controversial statement.
None of Us Are Ready for an Emergency
January 12, 2017 | Dori Zinn
What if you don’t have enough cash even for a tragedy, disaster, or other emergency? Most of us aren’t ready for one.
My Simple Trick For Always Staying On Budget
December 29, 2016 | Debt.com
No-stress, no-sacrifice saving? It’s not too good to be true. It’s too true to miss out on.
How Your Thought Process Affects Your Finances
November 29, 2016 | Debt.com
Knowing how you think about money can help you save more of it.
Is Tying The Knot Easier Than Uniting Finances?
November 24, 2016 | Debt.com
For those who answer yes, there’s good advice and even outside help.
Americans Aren’t Spending Less Because They’re Making Less
October 18, 2016 | Dori Zinn
They’re spending less to save more
Spending Doesn’t Make Us as Happy as We Think
September 12, 2016 | Dori Zinn
But saving does, and most of us prefer it that way
4 Simple Steps To Get The Very Best Car Loan
August 30, 2016 | Money Talks News
Many people shop backwards for a vehicle — and that’s costly. Here’s how to get the best deal.
Want to Save Money? Live on a Cruise Ship
August 1, 2016 | Treanna Lawrence
Why it’s cheaper to take a year-long vacation than it is to live in California
Want Cheap Homes and Great Pay? Move to Texas
July 21, 2016 | Dori Zinn
If there’s one thing that’s not bigger in Texas, it’s the cost of living. But that doesn’t stop Texans from overspending. They have some of the worst money managers in the country.
Can You Afford To Grow Old?
June 28, 2016 | Dori Zinn
Most Americans predict they’ll run out of money before they die
Reach Your Goals Without A Budget
June 28, 2016 | Money Talks News
Budgets are about deprivation and discipline. No wonder they’re hard to stick to.
Dvorkin On Debt: Taking A Bite Out Of Debt
June 27, 2016 | Howard Dvorkin, CPA
The seventh Debt.com scholarship winner has a superior brain but a suffering mouth.
Ask The Expert: Which Bill Do I Pay First?
June 22, 2016 | Howard Dvorkin, CPA
A reader has only enough to pay the mortgage, car lease, or credit card. But not all three.
FOMO Plays a Huge Role in Millennial Spending
June 21, 2016 | Treanna Lawrence
How the fear of missing out effects this generation
Student Debt is Promoting a Stagnant Housing Market
June 20, 2016 | Treanna Lawrence
Why many are struggling to buy and sell homes
The Financial Costs of Living Longer
June 6, 2016 | Treanna Lawrence
Why most Americans don’t feel secure for retirement
Dvorkin On Debt: A Prince-ly Sum
May 30, 2016 | Howard Dvorkin, CPA
3 financial lessons we can learn from the artist known as Prince
10 Easy Steps to Simplify Your Finances and Improve Your Life
May 17, 2016 | Money Talks News
How to declutter your financial life, your home and your social life and breathe easier.
How to Prepare For and Deal With an Income Emergency
May 3, 2016 | Money Talks News
A lot of people in all income brackets are ill prepared to deal with financial shocks.
Can You Afford to Quit Your Job?
January 28, 2016 | Debt.com
It depends on your answers to these 3 questions.
Ask The Expert: Who Needs A Stinkin’ Budget?
December 30, 2015 | Howard Dvorkin, CPA
A reader says her son is taking the wrong advice from the Internet.
8 Ways to Get Your Holidays Off to a Budget-Savvy Head Start
November 5, 2015 | Debt.com
If you start now, you can save hundreds.
3 Ways Your Weekend Is Busting Your Budget
September 22, 2015 | Debt.com
Why save five days a week only to blow it all in two? Here’s how to save all week long.
Why Lifestyle Inflation Is Killing Your Budget
September 3, 2015 | Debt.com
This is the worst kind of inflation. Here’s how to lower it.
15 Places to Find A Part-Time Accountant for Your Startup
August 11, 2015 | John Rampton
Sure, there’s accounting software. But sometimes, you need a human being to help you.
5 Reasons Your Budget Isn’t Working
July 28, 2015 | Debt.com
Here’s how you can make it work for you, instead of struggle against it.
Ask The Expert: How Much Do I Need To Save For Retirement?
May 20, 2015 | Howard Dvorkin, CPA
A reader is overwhelmed by all the information out there, so Howard talks to her directly in a video.
3 Months Later, Is myRA a Worthwhile Investment?
May 19, 2015 | Jess Miller
The federal government is encouraging people to save for retirement. Here’s how to know if the plan is right for you.
How You’ll Go On Vacation 15 Years From Now
May 11, 2015 | Howard Dvorkin, CPA
In 2030, relaxing will be a lot different than it is today.
Get Out Of Debt Guy: Who is Right About Budgeting Our Money, My Wife Or Myself?
May 8, 2015 | Steve Rhode
A reader wants to know, so they can stop fighting.
Ask The Expert: Should I Buy This Home Or Not?
May 6, 2015 | Howard Dvorkin, CPA
A 55-year-old reader has a wonderful problem: How to spend her money the right way.
One-Quarter Of Americans Report Being Financially Stressed All The Time
April 23, 2015 | Jess Miller
Women and younger people freak out about finances more, but they don’t have to. Here’s why.
How Long Will $1 Million Last You?
April 7, 2015 | Michael Koretzky
Becoming a millionaire will no longer make you wealthy.
Why You Aren’t Saving for an IRA
March 30, 2015 | Jess Miller
Don’t let one of these silly excuses prevent you from retiring comfortably.