Stop Using Spending Bans (as reported by Brock on www.cleverdude.com)

One common piece of personal finance advice seen online is a spending ban. A spending ban is a self-inflicted ban on spending for certain items as a way of saving money for a particular time period. For example, a person might say to themselves that they will not spend money on eating out for 6… Read More

BUYING LIFE INSURANCE (AS REPORTED BY ANNA BAHNEY ON MONEY.CNN.COM)

Life insurance is not a topic people spend much time thinking about. That’s because it is only ever necessary in death, a subject we don’t like thinking much about ever. But if you have people that depend on you – a spouse, children, employees – life insurance is an important part of your personal financial… Read More

FINANCIAL ADVISOR WARNING SIGNS (AS REPORTED BY LIZ FRAZIER PECK ON WWW.FORBES.COM)

Financial advisors traditionally serve the wealthier among us, who are historically more proactive with their money, because they have more of it. But these industry professionals can be a good idea for anyone looking to make smarter financial decisions, and can benefit people across the income spectrum. But only if you hire the right ones…. Read More

GIVE YOURSELF A RAISE (AS REPORTED BY HOLLY JOHNSON ON WWW.THESIMPLEDOLLAR.COM)

Growing one’s wealth comes from following two simple pieces of advice: earn more and spend less. Easier said than done, sure. But still true. Earning more can come from a raise or a promotion, most commonly. But there’s nothing saying that you can’t take it on yourself to earn more when that raise isn’t coming…. Read More

THE BASICS OF BUDGETING (AS REPORTED BY STEVE ROUSSEAU ON WWW.DIGG.COM)

Everyone should have a budget, regardless of where they are in life. An accurate budget can do a few things for you. First, it gives you a clear picture of money in and money out. Second, it keeps you from spending more than you can afford. And third, the simple act of keeping a budget… Read More