Category Archives: Money

Raising a family, paying for shoes, cars, college and retirement are all costly things in this day and age. Learn here how to plan properly and make the most of the money you have!

Things That It Makes Sense To Buy In Bulk

If you are looking for ways to save money, buying certain items in bulk can be one way to trim your household budget. While it is true that a membership to Sam’s, Costco, BJ’s, or another wholesale club does cost money there are savings to be had if you shop wisely. For most families, it does not make sense to buy all of the groceries in bulk. For example, is the double mega pack of Honey Nut Cheerios really a good deal of your kids don’t like eating the same cereal for breakfast every day for a month? There are … Continue reading →

Making Money by Marrying

No, this post does not feature tips on dowries; rather, it will hopefully help debunk myths that many people have regarding monetary wedding gifts. Some individuals staunchly believe that it is tacky or lazy to give newlyweds cash in lieu of an item listed on their wedding gift registry. According to wedding etiquette experts, cash is actually a very practical wedding present, in more ways than one. For starters, unless it is culturally acceptable, most couples can’t get away with requesting guests give cash-only as a wedding gift, so by taking the initiative to present money as a gift you … Continue reading →

Options For Paying Your Tax Bill

Tax Day is almost here, and if you have been putting off preparing your tax return because you fear finding out that you owe money. You can take comfort in knowing that you are not alone. Not everyone is doing the happy dance all the way to the bank with big, fat refund checks. There are plenty of people who will find out that they owe tax this year. They just are not shouting about it from the rooftops like those folks who are getting refunds. Since there are penalties, including financial penalties for not filing your tax return on … Continue reading →

Wedding Cash

In a previous post, I discussed the benefits of gifting newlyweds with cold, hard cash. Regardless of one’s financial status, geography, age, gender or creed, you really can’t go wrong giving money as a wedding gift. However, there are some ways that are better than others to present your cash gift. For example, unless you are very close to the couple and are known for being a prankster, it is not recommended to place a wad of cash in a gigantic box filled with tissue paper. While it may be funny watching the recipient tear through a mound of tissue … Continue reading →

Cash is King

In the world of wedding gifts, cash is king. A new study reveals that cold, hard cash is the ultimate wedding present, and not just for the recipient. People giving money to a newlywed couple don’t have to worry about including a gift receipt. In addition, they don’t have to be concerned about it being the wrong color, size or worry about whether it will match the bride and groom’s style. Still, there are some challenges that come with gifting money as a wedding gift. At the top of the list is amount. There is a myth that a magic … Continue reading →

Mega-Losers

(Money I didn’t win!) So, uh, yeah, I didn’t win Mega Millions. How could this happen? I already spent the money! The winning numbers in Friday night’s drawing were 02-04-23-38-46, and the Mega Ball was 23. I think one of my tickets is worth 10 bucks, so I’m not a total loser. Which is more than I can say for the 53 bazillion others who shelled out at least a buck trying to score the world record-breaking $640 million jackpot. According to USA Today, Americans spent nearly $1.5 billion for a chance to strike it rich playing Mega Millions last … Continue reading →

Does Budgeting Actually Cost You More Money?

Do you have a budget? Everyone says it is the best way to take control of your spending. Once you have spent your allotted amount for food, or gas, you’re done. Unfortunately it doesn’t always work like that. I read a study recently that said that people who have a budget can spend as much as 50% more than they were planning. This is said to be because budgeting starts in your mind. You are thinking constantly about what you can and cannot spend and that is what causes you to spend more. Many people who say they have a … Continue reading →

If I Had 540 Million Dollars…

How am I supposed to win the world’s largest lottery jackpot if y’all keep buying tickets? Stop buying tickets. No, I don’t typically channel Paula Deen on a daily basis, and no, I don’t think I have a chance in you know what of winning $540 million. So why am I headed to the store later today to purchase five more Mega Millions tickets? Like the rest of you, I like to dream big. You don’t have to be a math whiz to know the more tickets you buy, the better your chances of winning. Currently, the odds of walking … Continue reading →

How Did That Happen?

I never really thought of myself as someone who is disciplined in any way whatsoever. Over the past couple of years, I have had to be very careful with my money in order to ensure that my bills get paid (mostly) on time. Today, I realized that the way in which I have made that happen is by developing (gasp!) financial discipline. How did I go from someone who was fiscally irresponsible to someone who is working to overcome the long term effects of that irresponsibility while contributing to the family finances in my own small way? Perhaps it comes … Continue reading →

Saving Money on a New House

One of the easiest ways to save on a mortgage is by making a substantial down payment. The larger your down payment, the less you will have to pay on a monthly basis. In most cases, home buyers are required to cough up at least 20 percent of a home loan in order to avoid Private Mortgage Insurance. Whereas it would be wonderful if we could all put down 20 to 30 percent of our dream home’s total price, many potential buyers struggle to come up with even half that. Fortunately, for many first-time homebuyers, down payment assistance is available. … Continue reading →