Tag Archives: budget

Rewards Program Or Debt Traps?

Posted on December 4, 2019 by Kristy Lamar

We’ve all heard the reason, ‘debt-traps,’ the phrase is often used as an excuse for someone being debt and a budget that’s out of control. These traps are frustrating, destructive, and are often harder than quicksand to escape. The most challenging task in trying to put an end to these problems, but the first step is admitting to being part of the problem. A debt-trap begins with the consumer who overuses or even abuses third party money. Companies make it easy with enticing offers, but we learn to say no. … Continue reading →

Posted in Budgets | Tagged budget, credit card rewards program, credit challenges, debt trap, debt trouble, money management, personal finances |

5 Ways To Avoid Peer Pressure In Our Personal Finances

Posted on November 29, 2019 by Kristy Lamar

Keeping up with the Jones can have a serious impact on our personal finances. We like what we like, but we also want what our friends like. Financial peer pressure is painful when a friend persuades you to spend more than you have. It isn’t always shopping, but trips to movies, eating out, and going to clubs that keep our wallet in a tailspin. We have to decide to spend less and never utilize credit cards to keep up with social status. It’s hard to stay home when everyone you … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal Finance | Tagged bad credit, budget, debt troubles, money management, peer pressure, personal finance, savings plan |

How Can I Cut My Housing Costs to Fit My Budget?

Posted on November 25, 2019 by Kristy Lamar

You may have tried to cut corners throughout the month in order to make your budget more productive. It gets tiring when no matter what you do, it seems like there is never enough money left to pay the bills. Your total monthly costs are just too close to your actual income. A budget will not survive on bare-bones alone. Living paycheck to paycheck does not leave room for any unplanned expenses. You can only skimp so far on groceries, fuel, and utilities. Depending on how much you need to … Continue reading →

Posted in Budgets | Tagged budget, cut backs, cutting costs, housing budget, money management |

How Do You Train Your Budget to Go The Distance?

Posted on November 23, 2019 by Kristy Lamar

A budget that’s strapped to the bare bones will struggle to perform its proper duties. If you think about a runner who has trained hard and has eaten the appropriate foods before race day, it won’t shock you to see it outperform those who did not. Most people do not take their finances to the runner’s extreme. There may be a budget plan, but it is not fine-tuned or run with precision. Money management is your budget’s marathon. Every day counts. There must be a healthy money plan in which … Continue reading →

Posted in Budgets | Tagged budget, budget control, budget management, debt troubles, money management, savings account, smart money |

Tips to Lower Your Monthly Transportation Budget Costs

Posted on November 22, 2019 by Kristy Lamar

Do you scratch your head in wonder trying to figure out how much more you can cut out of the budget? With all of the different budget categories, there are many areas to take into consideration. It’s always best to focus on one particular area in order to achieve quality results. In this post, I will focus on ways to cut back and cut out transportation costs. Your lifestyle will also play an important role in how much you pay each month. What kind of car you like vs. what … Continue reading →

Posted in Budgets | Tagged budget, buying vs leasing, car payments, cutting budget costs, cutting costs, money management, transportatin costs |

Warm Your Budget While Cooling Off Utility Costs

Posted on November 21, 2019 by Kristy Lamar

Looking to cool your house off this summer? Wanting to stay warm in the winter? Temperatures will skyrocket to triple digits or stumble below freezing. There are ways you can help keep your utility payments under control. Money management moves beyond the checkbook and bank account and into practical living. Cutting back does not always mean that you have to give up on your lifestyle. A money-smart household will efficiently help you decrease your utility budget. Cooling And Heating Budget Fight off cooling and heating costs by properly insulating your … Continue reading →

Posted in Budgets | Tagged budget, cutting budget costs, cutting heating costs, money management, saving money, smart money, utility savings |

Is it time to let yoru budget control your shopping?

Tips to Track Expenses: Get A Handle On The Budget

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Kristy Lamar

Extra expense tracking may help steer your budget demands away from an online cash advance dependency. When you take out more than a few short-term loans each year, you will want to start finding a solution right away. Instead of paying the direct lender finance charges, you will keep that money for yourself. How do you back track? You start with old bank statements and any receipts you still have kicking around your purse, wallet, counters or desk. Highlight all checks, debits or withdrawals that are not associated with regular bill … Continue reading →

Posted in Budgets | Tagged budget, budget problems, Cash Advance, credit debt, debt problems, tracking expenses |

Budget Tip For Graduates: Look Ahead When Managing Debt

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Kristy Lamar

Young graduates are not looking to get stuck with bed debt problems. Unfortunate, many are. Coming out of college in their early 20’s, graduates face tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of student loan debt without the promise of a high paying job. How many of these same graduates fell into credit card debt as well? According to a CNN survey, the average student leaves college with $35,500 in government, family and personal private loans. It also includes about $3000 of credit card debt. That’s a tough starting position to … Continue reading →

Posted in Budgets | Tagged alternative short-term loans, bad credit, budget, building savings, graduate debt, money management, money tips, payday loans, saving for retirement, student loan debt |

7 Discussion Points to Address Budget Change with a Spendaholic

Posted on March 13, 2014 by Kristy Lamar

How do you go about changing a spendaholic’s ways? If you have come to realize how money habits are negatively affecting the household budget, the biggest hurdle is over. Acceptance is a difficult part of the task to improve money matters. If it is your partner’s bad habits that are creating a problem, the problem is much bigger. It will take thought and good communication skills to get over the first hurdle; get your partner to accept that there is a problem. No one wants to be told what to … Continue reading →

Posted in Budgets | Tagged budget, correcting budget problems, Discussing finances, making budget changes, personal finances, shopaholic, shopping problems |

5 Smart Financial Decisions For Your Budget

Posted on March 12, 2014 by Kristy Lamar

Too many people give up on their budget when money becomes overly structured. When there isn’t enough room to breathe or have some fun, the budget falls wayside. What are we all juggling? Let’s see, we have to make time for work, family and fit in sleep? We eat and drive, change in the car and pay bills from our phones. It’s hard to keep up with the demands of a budget unless smart financial decisions help simplify our finances. 1. Don’t think about saving money, just do it. Set … Continue reading →

Posted in Budgets | Tagged budget, direct deposit, money management, saving, shopping strategies, smart finances, smart shopping |