Budgeting
The Basics of Budgeting
The following is an excerpt from “Art & Numbers: A Financial Guide for Artists, Writers, Performers, and Other Members of the Creative Class.” We also picked Elaine’s brain on money management for the creative class. Check out that Q&A here.... ➡
Co-Sign at Your Own Risk
Should you co-sign a loan or credit card for a friend or relative? I get this question a lot, especially since the economic downturn has made it harder for people to obtain loans. There are certainly situations where you might be inclined to... ➡
Raising $ for Medical Musts
Know someone with sky-high healthcare bills? You might. Three million households spend 18% of their incomes on out-of-pocket medical expenses. It’s an awful burden, on top of a crisis or chronic illness. Now you can help with GiveForward.How it... ➡
A Brain-Powered Emergency Fund
Saving is an art, but there’s a science to doing it well. To pack more power into your “It’s an Emergency!” savings effort, try these: Think “one.” If you have a few savings goals, cut back. You save more when you zero in on one goal at a time,... ➡
Skinny Mailbox, Fat Wallet
Welcome to part two of RESTART 2012, a painless four-part financial scrub-down that will have you in fighting shape before you can say “FICO.” You can read part one here. Want to control spending? Get a grip on your mail. Three-quarters of... ➡
4 New Cash-Tracking Tools
Maybe you haven’t yet figured out how to make a budget that works for you, but these four new tools could change your mind, your life, and your net worth: The Birdy is an addictive money tracker. Reply to a daily email with a list of the... ➡
So Fresh and So Clean in 2012
Welcome to RESTART 2012, a painless four-part financial scrub-down that will have you in fighting shape before you can say “FICO.” This week, you’re going to streamline your accounts. Why? Because stray checking, dormant 401ks and other financial... ➡
A Quick Game for a Richer 2012
Ahhhhhhhhh. It’s do-over time. What’s the best way to put a fresh spin on 2012? Try the water method, a surprisingly powerful exercise to help you get a grip on your priorities—in five minutes.You need: 5 cups or glasses + 4 strips of paperSet... ➡
