Budgeting

Ahhhh, the holidays. Those twinkling lights, the smell of fresh-baked cookies, a visit with your nearest and dearest, and – oh, yeah – spending money. With all the incoming warm fuzzies, it's easy to neglect the outgoing cash. Presents, decor, ingredients – it all adds up.

We’ll say it – appliances are expensive. They are also pretty necessary to our lives. When you need a washer and dryer like yesterday, you might find yourself scrambling to research all the loans and payment plans for appliances.

When it comes to your budget, planning only gets you so far. Emergencies happen – from medical and vet bills to car repairs to home disasters. If you happen to have bad credit, an emergency can feel even more dire. If you find yourself in need of emergency money, the options are plentiful – from credit cards to emergency personal loans. We’re sharing all the ways to get money fast in the event of an emergency.

Financial literacy is relevant to everyone. It’s never too soon or too late to take steps toward financial wellness – from building a budget to getting a personal loan to rebuilding credit. Financial Literacy Month is the perfect time to get started.

Fixed incomes are pretty common. Whether it’s from pension, Social Security, or some other regular, set income, a fixed income creates the need for a fixed budget. When you have a certain amount of money coming in, it’s smart to make a plan for how to spend it.

Labor Day is just around the corner, and this year we’ve all got a lot to celebrate. If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the long weekend, we’ve put together a handful of ideas sure to deliver maximum fun while staying within your budget.