8 things to do with your tax refund. 

8 things to do with your tax refund. 

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. 

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How to build your emergency fund fast

How to build your emergency fund fast

Ask anyone who has gotten out of debt or worked to change their families financial family tree and they will tell you that the very first thing you should do is get on a written budget. 

BUT- the second, yet equally important thing is to build an emergency fund. Having an emergency fund will give you room to breathe, it will help you feel more in control and it is a huge part in conquering your financial fears and failures. 

Some of these tips are very basic, it's not rocket science. But I wanted to give you an example of what worked for us. 

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10 Thrift store finds you can give as gifts

10 Thrift store finds you can give as gifts

A few weeks ago I got a question asking what I thought about giving gifts from the thrift store for Christmas. 

If you read this blog on a regular basis then you probably already know what my answer is going to be... go for it sister, friend. 

Today I wanted to give you a few ideas of things you can find at your local thrift store that would make excellent gifts. 

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Dealing with budgetary setbacks

Dealing with budgetary setbacks

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. 

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Money and judgement: It's not up to us to determine how other spend their money

Money and judgement: It's not up to us to determine how other spend their money

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." 

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