The holidays are the happiest time of the year. Between the gifts, food, travel, and time spent with family and friends, it’s hard not to love the holiday season. But alongside the cheer, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and spend more than you planned – leading to a post-holiday debt hangover that lingers well into the new year.
Around Halloween, masks and surprises can be fun. But when it comes to managing money, spooky surprises often create unwanted stress. Every dollar you spend tells a story; however, most of the time, that story stays hidden. Behind the “mask” of everyday purchases, your budget can reveal how your money is working for - or against - you.
Managing your money can often feel overwhelming. Between juggling bills, unexpected expenses, and trying to save for the future, it may seem like there’s never enough cash left over. But strengthening your finances doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. By making small, intentional changes to how you save and spend, you can gradually build better habits and a stronger financial future.
Student loan payments are now back in full swing, and while most eyes are focused on young college students, it’s Millennials and Gen Xers who are truly struggling. Finding ways to balance student loans with the rest of life’s obligations can be challenging - especially when raising a family, managing rising prices, and trying to save for retirement.
Life has a way of surprising us. Sometimes those surprises are wonderful, like a new job or the chance to travel somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit. Other times, the unexpected can throw your finances off track in an instant. That’s why every household should have an emergency fund.
For most of us, the holiday season plays out the same way every year. By the time November rolls around, the calendar is packed, prices are high, and that overwhelming feeling starts creeping in. Gifts are bought in a rush, travel gets booked at sky-high rates, and we promise ourselves we’ll plan earlier next year.
Moving out of your parents’ house and into a place of your own is a huge milestone. Whether you’re looking forward to flying solo or you plan to share a space with roommates, it’s a significant step toward independence. While this transition is exciting and empowering, it can also be more expensive than you may anticipate.
School is out, summer is here, and we’re at the halfway point of the year. Now is the perfect time to sit down and review where you stand on your goals for the year. Are you where you hoped you’d be? Or do you need to jumpstart your efforts and ambition?
While mortgage and rent are the primary cost concerns, it’s important not to overlook the expense of moving. There’s more to consider than solely the payment for professional movers. There are also supplies, utility deposits, fuel, and more to factor in, which can all add up quickly!
You said “Yes!”, popped the bubbly to celebrate, shared the news with your loved ones, and you’re basking in newly engaged bliss. Once you’ve made it through the initial excitement, next comes a not-nearly-as-exciting step: planning your wedding budget.
