How to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck
When every paycheck is gone before the next one arrives, small surprises turn into debt. Here are practical steps to build a little breathing room, one paycheck at a time.
Topic
Budgeting & Money Tips
Practical ways to cover the essentials first and find room for debt payments.
What to Do About Debt After a Job Loss
Losing a job while carrying debt is frightening. Here is what to do first: apply for benefits, protect your essentials, call your creditors and keep your health coverage.
Sinking Funds: Planning for Bills That Don’t Come Monthly
Car registration, holidays and annual insurance bills aren't emergencies, but they can still wreck a budget. A sinking fund spreads those costs out. Here is how to set one up.
How to Budget on an Irregular Income
Gig work, tips, commissions and seasonal jobs make budgeting harder, but not impossible. Here is how to plan around your lowest month and smooth out the swings.
Zero-Based Budgeting, Explained
A zero-based budget gives every dollar a job before the month starts, so nothing slips through the cracks. Here is how it works, with a simple example and tips for tight months.
How to Talk to Your Partner About Debt
Talking about debt with a partner can feel harder than the debt itself. Here is how to prepare, what to say, and how to build a plan you can both stick with.
How to Lower Your Monthly Bills
Cutting a few fixed bills can free up money every month without changing much about how you live. Here is where to look first, and what help is available.
Payday Loans: Costs, Risks and Safer Alternatives
A payday loan can look like a quick fix for a short paycheck, but the fees add up fast. Here is what they really cost and what to try first.
Should You Pay Off Debt or Save First?
Paying off debt and building savings both matter, but money only goes so far. Here is a simple order of priorities to decide where each extra dollar should go.
The 50/30/20 Budget, Explained
The 50/30/20 rule splits your take-home pay into needs, wants and savings or debt. Here is how it works, how to adjust it when you're in debt, and when to use something else.