budgeting

Do you have to track your spending forever?

Some people resist the idea that they should track their spending forever. But what else gives so much benefit for a small amount of work? … Read More

Better financial habits are easier when you stop using credit cards

The simple act of not using credit cards will naturally lead you into all sorts of other better financial habits too. … Read More

Mint is shutting down: what are your alternatives?

With the announcement that Mint is going away, people are looking for alternatives. But the best option is to use no service at all. If you’re a user of Mint, the personal finance app, you have probably heard the news … Read MoreRead More

Pouring the jug: How to handle when your income is irregular

I propose an allegory and model for thinking about how to deal with irregular income in a way that will help you reduce risk and uncertainty. … Read More

What if you hate spreadsheets?

For those who want to track their spending but who hate spreadsheets, fear not, as you have multiple options. … Read More

3 reasons to ignore your bank’s spending categories

You should decide your own categories based on your specific situation. Also, your bank will always be wrong. … Read More

What to do when you’re paid biweekly

You’re not getting bonus checks, even if it feels like you are. But getting paid biweekly gives you an chance to ensure some serious savings. When people get paid a regular income, it can happen at various frequencies, but there … Read MoreRead More

How to reduce money conflicts on vacation

Vacation can be stressful, especially when not everyone has the same impulses when it comes to spending. But you can reduce money conflicts. Traveling can be stressful in lots of ways. In normal times, there’s the stress of getting from … Read MoreRead More

How to start an emergency fund when money is tight

When money is tight, an emergency fund is even more important. Here are some strategies to get you to put something, anything, away. You need an emergency fund. An emergency fund is not savings. You need that too, but that’s … Read MoreRead More

You cheat not only the game but yourself when you don’t track all your spending

The meme “You cheated not only the game but yourself” applies equally well to when you hide certain purchases from your spending tracking. I don’t know how up you are on your Twitch streamers, but I quite enjoy watching certain … Read MoreRead More