​Have you found yourself out and about “panic buying” lately? Moment of truth: I have. If you've tried hitting up the grocery store lately, you've seen the chaos! Panic buying is defined as the unplanned purchasing of large quantities of a particular product/commodity due to sudden fears of a shortage or price increase.

The psychology of panic buying is generally summed up as an attempt to take back control in a time when you feel completely out of control (sound familiar?). Panic buying is connected to our fundamental psychological needs to control our circumstances, relate to those around us (or the “everyone’s doing it” mentality) and feel competent about our abilities as consumers. Empty shelves and rising prices can tempt us to stock up but buying what you do not need or what your family will not use actually gives you a false sense of security that you’re a “smart shopper”.
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As connected as we are online, it’s easy to see just how empty the supermarket shelves are regardless of whether or not you’ve been there in-person lately. Let’s be clear – there is a distinct difference between disaster preparation and panic buying. I am certainly not suggesting you ignore recommendations to purchase what your family needs. However, irrational stockpiling can make shortages worse and bust your budget over and over, so here are six hacks to combat future panic buying (cause we're not out of the woods yet...cue Taylor Swift). 

Now that we're a few weeks into the year, is your New Year's budget sticking? Here's an awesome tip that may help you keep that goal rolling through the whole year! Having a personal allowance helps you have the freedom to spend money on yourself but the control to not over do it. Have you established a personal allowed? If so, how has having a personal allowance helped you? 

GUEST BLOGGER: EMMA PARKHURST

In the age of self-care, “treat yourself” has become an increasingly popular mantra over the past couple of years. The general gist of the saying is that we should spend money to increase our own happiness. While it may feel good to reward ourselves and splurge on this or that, treating ourselves can quickly get out of hand if we are not aware of our spending habits. There can be a lot of stress that comes along with personal finances, so how can we practice good money habits but still treat ourselves? Consider these tips to help transform your relationship with money and self-care:

GUEST BLOGGER: CALLIE WARD

​February- the month full of love, an amazing date, fantastic food, the perfect atmosphere, that one truly special holiday… you know I am talking about the Super Bowl, right?  For us Valentine neighsayers, let’s bring on some FOOTBALL! Well, really let’s bring on J-Lo and Shakira for the half time show and the food. 

GUEST BLOGGER: EMMA PARKHURST

Every January it seems many of us set a resolution to go to the gym and exercise more frequently. If you have decided to tackle those fitness goals this year, getting a gym membership may be a smart move. Did you know that research shows those with a gym membership were 14 times more likely to meet the weekly physical activity guidelines? Sounds great, right?! But what if your budget is tight and a gym membership doesn’t quite make the cut for your 2020 financial goals? Not to worry – there are many ways to shave costs off your monthly gym bill: