Becoming a first-time homeowner can be challenging, but developing a game plan can help you get there faster than you think. Here are some money moves to set you up for home-buying success.
saving
It’s a Money Thing: Pay Yourself First … Automatically
Like going to the gym or eating a healthy diet, saving money is one of those concepts that’s simple to grasp but weirdly challenging to put into practice. We understand its benefits. We agree that it’s essential to our wellbeing. We know that it’s something we should be doing. But paycheck after paycheck, it’s the same routine: after the bills have been paid and the regular expenses have been looked after, there just isn’t quite enough left over for our savings goals.
Spending Less When Eating out at Restaurants
A quick tip from Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
Here’s a super easy way to slash your restaurant bill when you’re going out to eat with friends: take advantage of printed or digital coupons and discounts.
Here are three options to nab discounted meals and spend less while eating out:
Understanding the Difference Between Needs and Wants
By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
To get a handle on your finances, you must be able to distinguish between your needs and your wants. You need food, shelter and clothing. But you might want a juicy lobster and seafood dinner, a large upscale home and brand-name attire.
Protecting Yourself with a Financial Back-up Plan
By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
As someone who has had her fair share of economic setbacks — including being in debt, going through a costly divorce and being downsized — I know from firsthand experience the importance of having a financial back-up plan.
What is a Share Certificate?
With so many financial products available, choosing which type of account to open can be just as stressful as deciding where to open one.
For consumers looking for earnings on their savings, one of the options that credit unions offer is share certificates. Here’s a brief overview of how they work and some of their advantages and disadvantages.
Create a Financial Strategy for Budgeting and Saving
By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
If budgeting and saving money seem like difficult tasks to conquer, perhaps the issue is that you’ve not yet created a financial strategy for achieving these goals. Here are some ideas to improve your savings, and make you a better budgeter, by creating a financial strategy that works for your lifestyle.
Mobile Money Matters: Save More, Curb Spending
Mobile banking and shopping are on the rise, and now there are plenty of resources to help you become more mindful of your spending and saving habits, which can really help when you’re trying to create financial security.
Ask the Advisor: What to Do With an Inheritance
By Jonathan Young
Since 2008, Jonathan has helped Members reach their financial goals. He believes that financial plans should be built with a specific objective in mind, like living comfortably in retirement, saving for college, or buying a house.
When you receive an inheritance, you may be wondering what to do next. No matter if it’s a modest or substantial amount, handling it responsibly is one way you can honor the family member who left it to you. Here are some ways to help you decide what to do.
How to Turbocharge Your Savings (Even on a Modest Salary)
By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
“I can’t afford to save because I have too many bills!”
“Saving money is too hard because I don’t earn a lot of money to begin with.”
“I can never save consistently because something unexpected always comes up.”
Have you ever said or thought something like one of the expressions above?