Wallet Wins

It’s that time of year again. While some people are biting their nails over how much they’ll have to pay, others are eagerly anticipating their refunds from Uncle Sam. Below are a few smart ways you can put your tax refund to work for you.  Make a Down Payment on a New Car  If you’ve been thinking of trading up or buying a new car outright, your tax refund can help you bolster your down payment, so you pay less for the vehicle over time. The larger your down payment is, the more you save on interest.  Use It to…

If you’re like most Americans, you’ve probably noticed your grocery bills climb to crazy heights during the coronavirus pandemic. Over the past twelve months, all of the six major grocery store food group prices increased, according to the November 2021 Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).  Prices for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs rose 12.8 percent in 2021, with beef prices jumping the most with a 20.9 percent increase. Dairy product prices rose 1.6 percent. Other prices rose too, ranging from a 4.0 percent increase on fruits and vegetables to 5.7 percent for other…

You can have a fun and romantic Valentine’s Day AND stay within your budget this Valentine’s Day. Here are three great, inexpensive date ideas that you can do with your loved ones.  Cook or bake something together. Even if you make a grand feast at home, it will still probably fit the budget more than if you were to go out. And you’ll probably have leftovers! Head out to the grocery store and pick up some delicious ingredients to make a romantic meal together. Not so great at cooking? Meal delivery boxes are making it easier than ever to make…

Creating a budget can often seem so complex. The more complicated it seems, the less likely you may be to make the effort. But you need some type of budget to help keep your spending in check and to ensure progress toward your short- and long-term financial goals.   If you’re new at creating a budget — or have been putting it off for fear of messing it up because you don’t fully understand what it is you’re supposed to do — consider the simplified 50/30/20 budget instead.   Why Is the 50/30/20 Budget So Popular?  Shakespeare once said, “Brevity is the soul of wit.” It rings true today — especially when it comes to creating a budget.   The 50/30/20 budget is…

Every January, it’s the same deal: You resolve to save more money, pay off your debts, and get your financial situation in order. Then February comes along, and you’re back to your old habits. If you’ve broken New Year’s resolutions in the past, you’re not alone. The vast majority of people give up on their resolutions within the first month of the year.  But this year can be different. With a few adjustments to your thinking and a few small hacks, you can make sure that your resolutions actually stick.    Start Small  If you usually start the year off with a big goal, only…