Tax refunds are rolling in. With Americans getting on average more than $3,000 back this year. (Source.)
I personally am not a fan of big returns. I want to keep my money from my paycheck each month. Not give the government an interest-free loan. (Because they would charge YOU 4-7 % interest on a federal student loan!)
But if you are getting money back, why not be smart about where it goes.
Last week I wrote a blog post called "7 Things You Probably Forgot to Budget." I laid out, well, seven things you probably forgot to budget (hence the title).
Little did I know when I wrote that post I was being a big 'ole hypocrite. Let me fill you in...
Are you looking for ways to slash your budget and start saving cash? Here's a list of 45 PRACTICAL ways you can start saving money. We're not reinventing the wheel here, but I hope to inspire you to take control of your spending.
Has this ever happened to you? You sit down and make your budget. It's perfect. It's gleaming. Every penny is accounted for and then your kid gets sick, you realize you need to change your oil and your third-grader got invited to two birthday parties. Yup. Been there. (Only my child is five.)
Today I wanted to talk about 7 things you probably forgot to budget. Because we all do this at some point.
Goals are important. Without them, it's really hard to anchor our time.
When we make a to-do list, that's a goal. When we set out to lose weight with a number in mind, that's a goal.
Why not deal with finance the same way?
Jason and I are currently working on some big savings goals. We decided in February of this year on a specific number we needed in our savings account and estimated how long it would take us to get there.
We've made great progress. But we've also had some setbacks.
Here are a few things you might want to ask before signing a lease.
“I can’t do this anymore, I feel like I am running but not getting anywhere and I want to quit.” That’s what the message I got on Facebook read.
It wasn’t the first time I have gotten a comment or email from someone who was just at the end of their financial rope. I get hundreds of messages and comments each week from women who are frustrated, exhausted and they just want to give up.
A few weeks ago I was watching a family YouTube channel. The video was all about what the couple got their kids for Christmas. It was a fun video and the family is just precious. I don't know why but I found myself reading the comments. I never do this because let's be honest the comments section is where discourse goes to die. (Except here. You guys are wonderful!)
The comments that kept popping up were "look at how much money you're wasting" or "your children are so spoiled."
Are you looking to turn the money ship around in 2017? Who isn't? Even budgeting pros need to develop good habits sometimes. So let's talk about six money habits you can develop now.
What happens if you have to go into debt temporarily?
I hate debt. I hate owing people money. But I also live in reality.
If you find yourself on the verge of making a decision to go back into debt, ask yourself why.