Using a budget is not a one-size-fits-all sort of deal. You could use a paper & pencil system, the envelope system, an Excel spreadsheet, software like Quicken, or an online tool like Mint.com. For those interested in giving Mint a try, I’m showing how in a series of short instructional videos. In the video below, […]
People who’ve never used a budget usually hate the idea. They think of a budget as the wicked witch of personal finance whose sole purpose is to drive any semblance of fun right out of their financial life. In truth, it’s just the opposite. A budget, or as I prefer, a Cash Flow Plan, is […]
People who’ve never used a budget – or cash flow plan, as I prefer – usually assume it’ll be restrictive. They think of a budget as something you go on like a diet. They see budgets as being about cutting back, tightening the belt, reining themselves in. For them, budgets are about less. But a […]
This week, popular free online budget site Mint.com launched a new tool that helps people figure out when they could be out of debt and keeps them updated on their progress. I’ll explain how it works, along with its pros and cons, in a minute. But first, a little background. Making Budgets Cool When Mint […]
Regular readers know I highly recommend that everyone use a budget, or as I prefer, a Cash Flow Plan. It’s the most powerful tool I know of for smart money management. There are three steps involved in using a Cash Flow Plan. First, plan the use of your income. How much will you give, save, […]
When you’re getting to know the person you’re thinking about marrying, there’s so much to learn. Some of it comes about through questions as you ask each other about past experiences and future goals. Some of it also comes about through observation. Does he respect his parents? Is she usually on time? But it isn’t […]
A Cash Flow Plan (budget) is the single most powerful personal finance tool anyone can use for wise money management. But this is not a one-size-fits all proposition; there are different planning and tracking systems, each with its own advantages. Here are the options, along with my recommendations as to who would benefit the most […]
Regular readers of this blog know that I’m a strong believer in the use of a budget. Once you start tracking your income and expenses, the next logical question is how much should I spend on food, fun, and all the rest. That’s why I developed detailed recommended spending guidelines for one-, two-, three-, and […]
I’m excited about the start of a New Year, the opportunity to pursue some important new goals, and the opportunity to share ideas with you on how to live with the freedom and joy that come from getting the money thing right. As we reset the calendar, this seems like an appropriate time to explain […]
I am an unabashed, unapologetic, unceasing believer in the power of a budget. I know that many people cringe at the mere mention of the word. They think it’ll be restrictive, constraining, and, heaven forbid, work! It will take some work – that’s for sure. But the benefits are so great that I believe everyone […]
