Budget Snob

Discounted Gift Cards Are the Way to Go

by

If you want to save more money you essentially have two options, make more, or spend less.  The former is much more difficult than the latter.  Making more money can be difficult in a tough economy, and it mostly depends on your education and skill set, which take time to develop.  However, spending less money can be much easier than you think.  So much so, that you might be able to keep your consumption level while spending less on it.

I will say that I take an issue with calling them “gift” cards, because they are better used on yourself rather than gifting them away. … Read the rest

Some Myths on Personal Finance

by

The best way to increase your financial stability is by doing a thorough evaluation of your savings and spending. This way you will be able to find out how you may save on your existing earning so that you may have better funding in your account. Here, are some of the common myths that you get to learn along with the rational basis or even lack of it in them.

Myth 1# Investing in stocks and mutual funds is truly necessary

Most people will inform you to invest in stocks and mutual funds. However, if you have to invest do so after appropriate assessment of your financial position.… Read the rest

Tired of Being Frugal?

by

My wife and I have been transitioning to a primarily cash based budget. It’s been easy in some respects and harder in others. That’s why this resonated with me.

If you are getting a little frugal fatigue, you might consider treating yourself with a little spending splurge, just to take the edge off.

Problem is, I probably splurge too much! Keeping it small is the way to go.

Taking the time to provide yourself with a small treat, something out of the ordinary, can have an amazing effect on your mood. Think about what you enjoy, and what might provide a pick-me-up.

… Read the rest

Do Kids Really Cost $200,000?

by

what a cryin shame

I’m always slightly amused when I read about how much kids cost. I suppose it’s a valid question because kids are so…permanent.

If it really costs more than $200,000 to raise a child, can you even afford to have one?

From a financial/cost standpoint, we should give long pause before having kids. But is that all there is to this decision?

Many of us decided to buy a house the last few years and probably didn’t take into account all the hidden costs of home ownership. I know I didn’t. And what about animals? Think your poopsie poo doesn’t cost that much?… Read the rest

Survey is in – HMO Good Congress Bad

by

Uttering the three letters H-M-O gives me the creeps. Nameless, faceless bodies that tell me which medical specialists I can see and which ones I’ll have to fork out a few extra dollars for. But, HMOs fair much better when compared to another nameless, faceless body…Congress.

In a recent article by Daniel Indiviglio of The Atlantic, he shares the latest results of a confidence survey recently completed by Gallup.

The results? People have more confidence in banks, big business, and their HMOs than in Congress. Here are the full results:

Read the full story at Gallup. … Read the rest