Financial Planning Archive

Spreadsheets can make for ideal software to set up a budget. While there are a variety of spreadsheet software, which have variable options and features, their basic options are very similar. As such, setting up …

The death of a loved one can be such a sad and trying time that no one wants to think about planning for. Not only do most people not want to think about themselves or a …

Wouldn’t it be nice if you didn’t have to wait until payday to write a check for your bills? What if you could just pay for stuff and not have to worry if the money …

Living an abundant life begins from within the heart. The term “abundant” means to have more than needed. God himself wants us to live with more than we need because He knows that when you …

Being a recent college graduate you probably have a few debts that must be paid at some time in the future. You are also eager to make your mark on this Earth as soon as …

Money confidence does not come naturally to all people. It also is not guaranteed with age and it is not always a side effect of a good education. Most people who are secure about their …

Taking control of your finances is a very important part of getting out of debt permanently. If a person is unable to handle their finances and make sure that they are not spending more money …

Many well meaning parents try to keep their children sheltered from harsh realities of the family budget. Unfortunately, as much as these parents may mean well, their children often do not understand why they cannot …

When your finances aren’t in line it’s an incredibly stressful situation. Whether you don’t have any money in savings, you owe a lot of money to creditors, or both, there can still be a light …

What is a recession?A recession is when there is a decline in industrial production, employment, real income, and wholesale-retail trade that lasts for six months or more. It spells trouble for all of us. Sometimes …

A car can either make you or break you financially. Owning one is quite expensive and not easy. Since having a car requires money, most people face the dilemma between choosing either buying a new …

If you’re anything like me, getting your finances in order has become a recurring New Year’s Resolution for the past ten years. However, I discovered the secret that not only got me off the cycle …

They say that it’s not how much money you make but how wisely you spend what you have is the key to financial success. We’ve all heard of people earning boatloads of money becoming bankrupt, …

Choosing a contribution level and reviewing the statement when it comes in the mail, is what most people do with their 401K plan. There are things you should know about your 401K plan and you …

Friends told you your great idea would make a great business – your own business where you call the shots and where you answer to you. After some serious day dreaming about what that career …

Even in the current economic environment, many people do not realize the importance of planning for retirement. Yet, saving for retirement is always important, at any age. Especially for recent college graduates who need to …

Budgeting is done with the best of intentions. You make the budget and remake the budget to get by on the minimal so that you can meet the goals that you have set for yourself. …

The first and most truthful tip to save money on funeral expenses is to be aware of all the options before the need arises. When faced with the death of a loved one, is it …

The minute she started costing me money is the minute I started her savings account. That initial trip to the doctor verified my pregnancy and caused an epiphany: This baby would be the biggest expense …

A trust is a legal title to property held by one party for the benefit of another. There are many different varieties, but objectives for the most common types of trusts are to reduce estate …

Teaching kids about money management is a great way to prepare them for life. It is important for kids to learn good habits of money management when they are young, and these good habits will …

Opening up a bank account can lead to debt?  What?  How can this possibly be?  You are paying what you want into that account, right?  What the heck am I missing here?  Believe or not, …

Emergencies happen.  They are the (unwanted) facts of life.  An emergency can be a sudden illness, a broken refrigerator, getting a family member out of a jam or loss of job.  We do not expect …

For many, their 20s represent the first decade in their life as an adult. You’ve left home, joined a profession and are ready to make your way in the world. It’s time to lay the …

Becoming great at handling personal finances can be relatively simplistic. People that are good with finances usually understand how to budget their money properly. This means that they reduce the number of unnecessary expenses whenever …

Few people think of budgeting as a way to improve their lives, but it can. Budgeting can provide organization, understanding about where your money is going, the chance to save money, and the chance to …

The decision as to whether to buy a property or to rent an apartment or home is a big decision for many people. There are many opinions on both sides. Many proponents of home purchasing …

Second to home purchase, cars are the most significant purchases made by most people.  Over the last few years, car ownership options have expanded and it is now possible to lease cars rather than purchase …

These days’ people are living longer and longer. That’s good news, but on the other side of that there are more years in which there’s a chance of severe health problems. And that could basically …

Funding college is probably the number one question of many new students. It is an especially difficult and stressful road when neither you nor your parents are rich. But, there are ways in which college …