Budgeting for a Better 2008

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? I used to, until I realized I usually blew it within the first 2-3 weeks. I hate making promises I cannot keep, even if the vows are only to me. However, I definitely need to do something, if I want to budget for a better 2008. A self-employed divorced […]

Caution! Credit Card Crossing!

If you take a drive up in the mountains, a frequent sign you will see says something like, “Caution. Deer crossing.” Do you ignore the sign? Of course not! You have been warned to keep alert, to avoid an accident. You know that if you hit a deer, it will be very costly and potentially […]

Holiday Budgeting Tips from Ebenezer Scrooge

If you have seen/read The Christmas Carol, you already know that Scrooge is the Bad guy. Well, I contend that Scrooge is not all bad, and here is why: Yes, Scrooge could have put a little extra coal on the fire; he could have allowed Mr. Crachit a little more time off, and been more […]

Christmas Credit is a Critical Mistake

Today, as I went through my mail, I was expecting bills. Instead, I got more than one offer for Christmas money. I should be excited, right? Wrong! Credit card companies and financial institutions are not being generous lenders. Running a business, they count on you and me jumping at the chance to write checks on […]

Christmas, the Season of Giving, and Giving, and Giving . . .

Christmas is the season of giving. However, it is not supposed to hurt! Giving until it hurts is not a prerequisite for celebrating the holiday. Giving should be a pleasure, not a pain. Enjoy the spirit of giving, and stay within your means. For example, my father-in-law worked 2-3 jobs for the majority of his […]

Three Easy Ways to Reduce College Debt

With college expenses on the rise, along with the interest rates on student loans, many individuals are looking for ways to reduce college debt. From personal experience, I have come up with three easy ways to reduce college debt: 1. Pay Quarterly Interest The availability of scholarships is declining; so many people are depending on […]

What are You Teaching Your Children this Christmas?

Being a self-employed single mom of two, I have no guarantee of a certain monthly income, especially during the holidays. After all, my clients are also feeling the budget crunch of Christmas, so they are less likely to require my services. Unfortunately for my children, it also means that Mama’s Christmas list has to be […]

Bah Humbug! Tis the Season for Income Tax

Do not shoot the messenger! Although I intellectually understand the necessity of paying my share of income tax, I too would rather not have the expense. As soon as the holidays are over, income tax information is deposited in my mailbox. Even though taxes are not due until April 15th, I know in advance if […]

Credit Cards: Friend or Foe?

Is your credit card your friend or foe? Is your mailbox inundated with tempting offers, from competing financial institutions, for additional credit? Are you tempted to check out the offer, or do you drop the envelop straight into the shredder? Have you noticed that the more credit card debt you experience, more offers flood the […]

Christmas – Play Now, Pay Later

Christmas is a wonderful time of year! You look forward to the lights, the Christmas carols, the food, and the chance to be with family as you celebrate the reason for the season. However, along with all the festivities, the bills usually stack up during the holidays. For many, gift giving results in dread and […]

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