When it comes to balancing our budget we’d all love to be able to save more money. Most people use budgeting apps to help stay on top of their finances. These apps are great, but they mostly just tell you how much you’ve spent and how much more you have left for the rest of the month. I’m a big believer that anything can be made better with a plan and saving money is no exception. Here are some ways to stay organized and save money. Read more
Making lists goes hand in hand with budgeting. Sometimes it’s not about how much you’re spending, but what you’re spending that money on. Lists help you keep track of that kind of detail. Most people know how much they spend on groceries or gas a month, but how much do you spend at restaurants or on new clothes? Or how can you save a few dollars here or there to buy the stuff you really want?
Here are some of my favorite money-saving apps:
Mint.com – This website organizes all your accouts into one easy to view site. It has a savings tool, which allows you create a saving goal and lets you know if you’re on track to meet your goal. They also have a budgeting tool that tracks all your expenses and puts them into categories. It’s a free, easy to use service.
If you’re worried about security Mint has recently introduced a two-step verification process so your login is more secure. Read more
I thought I knew a fair amount about how to have healthy finances. I know how to make money, save it and spend it…so what else is there to know? Apparently a lot! A fellow blogger and friend, Scott Gamm, just wrote a book called “More Money Please: The Financial Secrets You Never Learned in School.” And he’s only 21! Yes — that’s right!
The book is written from the perspective of a college kid who knows more than most about finance. Scott started a blog called HelpSaveMyDollars.com for young people to get their money issues under control. Many people struggle to save and often run out of money quicker than they make it. Anyway, this book is geared towards 20-somethings, however, I think people of all ages, including parents and professionals, can benefit from reading it. Here’s some of what I learned: Read more
Being organized will help you be more successful in all aspects of your life including with your finances. I’m probably a little too good at saving receipts — and storing them in my purse!
But having a hold on money matters in your life will save you some cash. Professional organizer Korinne Kubena Belock tells us why it works.
Six Financial Incentives to Get Organized
by Korinne Kubena Belock
Of the many benefits to getting organized, like lower stress levels and increased productivity, one of the most compelling reasons is the financial benefit. In almost every organizing session with a client, we discover uncashed checks, cash, and even unused gift cards that clients have long forgotten. Talk about a good feeling! Here are six other reasons to get orgso you can have an easy, stress-free retirement!anized: Read more
You already know how I feel about lists and how much they can do for you. But here’s yet another example. Lists can help put more money in your pocket!
I’m the one who deals with the finances in our house– mostly because I’m a control freak. But I could always use a tip or two for being more organized with our money. So I asked Scott Gamm who is a total finance whiz kid…he’s also the founder of HelpSaveMyDollars.com. He’s been on national TV and has been published on many websites. And even better — he’s a list maker!
How Lists Can Help Organized Your Finances
by Scott Gamm
You probably make to-do lists at work, for the grocery store and when you have tons of errands to run. It’s not typical to make a financial to-do list, but it is one of the most important lists. Managing your money requires skill, care and time, all of which are no problem for a good accounting firm. There are many moving parts and components of your personal finances from credit cards to bank accounts to bills and mortgages. If you’re feeling overwhelmed when it comes to your finances, make a list! It’s a good idea to do some research when looking for an accounting firm.
Read more