One of the easiest ways to save on your food budget is to make a list before you hit the grocery store. On average, people who make a list (and stick to it) save 23 percent on their grocery bill.
more about: saving
As Prices Rise, Try These Tips to Save on Gas
Rising gasoline prices put a damper on consumers’ mood in January, according to a survey released Friday by Thomson Reuters and the University of Michigan. The spike at the pump to over $3 on average nationwide also has more people worried about inflation. Overall consumer sentiment slipped to 72.7 compared to 74.5 in December. Here are some tips to save on gasoline.
Kick-Start Your New Year: Think Before You Spend
This year, it’s time to go back to basics with your finances. And the easiest way to save is to take a second to consider each purchase before you pull out your wallet. Click through to see the four questions to ask yourself.
The Easiest Way to Save Money in 2011
Saving money is simple: Live on less than you earn. But of course, that’s like suggesting that dieting is a simple matter of burning more calories than we take in. Neither discipline comes easy. You have to track your spending (calories); become a savvy shopper (eater); understand the basics of investing (exercise); get excited about concepts like compound interest (and weight-loss maintenance). So with New Year’s Resolutions in mind, here’s the easiest way to save money in 2011.
This Holiday Season May Offer Earning Opportunities
If you’re looking to earn a little extra to pay off debt or stash away some emergency cash for a rainy day, this may be the year to take advantage of a part-time holiday position. The holiday hiring season is off to its strongest start since 2006, according to a new analysis of Labor Department data by outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. But it’s important to search beyond the traditional chain stores.
How to Start a Debt Diet
I appeared on Good Morning America today in a segment that featured Leah West, a Massachusetts mom of three that I am coaching. Leah was divorced seven years ago and since that time earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She also ended up with more than $82,000 in debt, mostly student loans.
Your Money Questions, Answered
During the month of September, our Real Simple Family financial expert, Farnoosh Torabi will be answering a few of your family financial questions. If you have questions for Farnoosh, share them in the comments of this post: Your Money Problems, Solved with Farnoosh Torabi. And you can read more of Farnoosh’s advice for Real Simple readers in the article from our 2010 issue of Real Simple Family: What Does It Cost to Raise Your Family?
Here’s the second set of questions and Farnoosh’s suggestions:
Hi Farnoosh,
My husband and I have been married for 8 months and we have decided to combine our finances, ie. have one checking account for both of us. Do you have any tips for making the transition smooth?
An Expense You Can’t Skip If You Have Kids
How much would you pay to protect your family from a devastating financial blow? How about less than the cost of a soda from the vending machine at work? And yet according to a new survey featured in The Wall Street Journal, some 35 million households have no life insurance — up from 24 million in 2004, according to research firm Limra. That one in every three households.
A Simple and Fast Way for Debtors to Improve Their Finances
If you carry a balance on your credit card from month to month, one of the simplest ways to boost your financial picture is to negotiate a lower interest rate with the card issuer. But only about one-third of consumers try, according to the Web site DebtGoal. They might be encouraged to give it a try if they knew what to say — and that others have successfully cut their rates. If you fall into this category, check out a new free online tool from DebtGoal called NegotiateMyRate.
Your Money Problems, Solved with Farnoosh Torabi
The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that the essentials for raising one child through age 17 will cost parents $369,360—anything but pocket change. In our 2010 issue of Real Simple Family, available on newsstands this month, financial expert Farnoosh Torabi helps three families at different stages tackle their finances.
And because she’s such a good sport, Farnoosh will also be taking your questions about how to better manage your family’s finances, and posting answers to selected questions here on Simply Stated.
So, if you need help saving for a college fund, or just budgeting for day care and piano lessons, submit your question in the comments below, and Farnoosh will answer selected questions starting September 1st.
