If you find it difficult to stick to your budget, you might have created one that’s too strict for your lifestyle. That doesn’t mean a budget can’t work for you, though. There are a few things you can do create one that is easier to follow. Define a Goal The first step to getting your budget in order is to create a goal by asking yourself what you want out of life in the short and long term.  For many people, it is first about damage control to get debt out of the way from consumer or student loans.  For…

With the official start of summer coming up, AAA recently reported the cost of driving has hit a six-year low due to falling gas prices.  However, you may be paying more by summer. 2016 Driving Costs The 2016 Your Driving Costs study found the annual cost of driving for average sedans stands at $8,558, or 57 cents/mile.  The quickly decreasing gas prices have made up for factors that have increased driving expenses, including maintenance and insurance.  For specific vehicle types, here are some price points according to MoneyTalksNews: $6,579/year for small sedans $8,604/year for medium sedans $10,492/year for large sedans $10,255/year for SUVs $9,262/year…

If you are going through a rough patch where money is tight, finding good deals on clothes and house items is very important.  Although thrift stores are usually viewed as being dirty, dusty and full of outdated clothing, that is not the case and it can be very helpful to you in your time of need. In an article written by Allison Martin for Money Talks News, she describes her experiences when using thrift stores which helped her obtain clothing she desired when she needed it.  When she was searching for clothing for a job interview but did not have the…

Do you suffer from FOMO? It’s a generational phenomenon, like absinthe was for the Greatest Generation. For those not in the know, FOMO is an acronym that stands for Fear Of Missing Out. It’s that sensation in the back of your mind that makes you go out even when you’re tired. An adventure can happen anywhere, and if you’re not there, you’ll be the one person in the world who missed it. How much influence does this fear have on today’s millennials? A recent Eventbrite survey found that 78 percent of 18- to 34-year-olds prefer to “invest in experiences instead…

If improving your finances is one of your New Year’s resolutions, we’re here to help. There are plenty of things you can do to be more financially fit. Create a Budget If you read up on personal finance advice frequently, this shouldn’t be new. Having a budget, and ultimately understanding how much money you have coming in and going out, is the easiest way to get a handle on your finances. So how do you get started? Look at your transactions for the past couple months and determine what is your normal income and expenses. Use that information to estimate…