The holiday season is a busy time. So before you make your shopping list this year, do a quick budget checkup. Rainy-day funds, planning gift purchases, saving for college or just making your rent payment can all be made easier with a budget. Whether you are saving for a family vacation, a down payment for a house or a new pair of shoes, if you stick to a plan, you’re more likely to achieve your goal. Putting together a household budget requires time and effort. Here are a few tips for creating Read more [...]

Financially, navigating the holiday season during an economic slump can be a little tough, but with early planning and a little DIY creativity, you can eliminate extra expenses associated with last minute preparation. Believe it or not, you can be frugal and still dazzle your friends and family. Get a head start Early planning allows you to get a bigger picture of what’s ahead. Think about things you’ll need to prepare for (food, gifts, décor, etc.), set a spending limit and stick to it! When Read more [...]