We did it! We made it out of January! Now that we are finally done with what feels like the longest month of the year, I don't think I'm the only one with my thoughts turning to sunny days and summer adventures! Maybe you don't have a big vacation planned this summer and that's okay! But even our long 3 day weekends or our quick getaways to Grandma's end up costing a little more than we anticipated, and there's a way we can get a jump start on that even now, to be ready with a little extra cushion come summer time. Check out this video for tips on how to start saving now so you can do all the fun things this summer without breaking the bank!

​Sticking to a financial resolution can be challenging when our excitement exceeds our preparation. The excitement and drive to set a goal to get out of debt or save for a vacation is so valuable to help keep us going when we’ve taken some time to prepare and plan successfully. Here are my 5 tips to make and stick to a family budget in 2020. 

GUEST BLOGGER: LIZ VANCE

​The most common New Year’s resolutions seem to always be about health and money. But we all know those resolutions can end up being frustrating or forgotten all together a few months, or even weeks, into the year. If only keeping our resolutions was as easy as making them! We’d accomplish so much! Try some of these tips to help make financial resolutions a little easier.

GUEST BLOGGER: ADRIE ROBERTS

The holiday hustle and bustle will soon be upon us. It can be a stressful time, but it’s important to keep it in perspective and remember why we go to all the effort. Author Donald E. Westlake said, “As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December’s bad weather, it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same.”
With that in mind, here are 10 tips for budgeting for gifts and events for those we care about.

GUEST BLOGGER: ELIZABETH DAVIS

Why do I need an emergency fund? The reason is simple really, we don’t know what is going to happen. Money guru Dave Ramsey recommends starting with a $1,000 cash emergency fund. This is SEPARATE from long-term savings and should be immediately available in case of emergency. After debt is eliminated, then save enough to cover the basic expenses without income for 3 months.  This number will vary for different family's situations. What I would like to discuss is the first step. Saving $1000 dollars. Sound overwhelming? My recommendation is to make a plan that can work for YOUR situation.