The Money Jar Budget - Get Debt-Free

Banks have it pretty good, don’t they? They get to hold our money AND charge us for it.  The average person doesn’t make interest on their bank account…they just pay fees.  If you’re aware of your fee structure, you could be saving a lot of money every month.
Here are some tips for you to:
Save Money [...]

Yes, you can live without credit cards. Getting rid of your high interest financial crutches will set you free! Sounds simple, doesn’t it? It’s not simple but it’s very worthwhile. Can you envision your life without debt? Many people can’t imagine what that’s like so don’t even try. Try it for a minute. Think about [...]

The financial pressure is on at this time of year! Don’t blow your budget at Christmas if you can help it! The spending season is fast approaching and a lot of people make a big mistake at this time of year.  They put Christmas on credit! Big mistake!
Sure, it’s the season of good tidings and [...]

Are the bankers bad guys? With the looming (or current) money crisis (depending on what’s going on with you and your job and your personal finances) it’s concerning.

Should you trust your bank?
Should you hide your funds under your mattress?

What should you do to protect yourself should the economy sink into a bad depression.
There are a [...]

We lead by example with our kids and if you’re living hand to mouth you are increasing the chances your kids will too.  Teaching your kids about budgeting is a great strategy to not only give them valuable life skills but to keep yourself on track as well.
If our kids see us spending every spare [...]

Using the envelope system (or money jar budgeting system) for your budget is a wise idea.  Using the same system for money saving coupons is also a great idea! Take a few envelopes or a small purse-sized accordion file (I bought mine at the dollar store) and organize your coupons.
Before you go grocery shopping, consider [...]

A mistake a lot of people in debt make is that when a debt or loan is finally paid, they simply absorb that amount of money back into their variable spending budget and in essence, blow the money.  If you split it between your other debts to top up payments, you’ll be debt free MUCH [...]

Shoppers too often simply deal with substandard products and waste their money by chucking an item in the trash when it doesn’t meet expectations.  Unless you’ve bought it on clearance or with a ‘no returns/refunds or exchanges’ policy, you should consider asking for your money back.
Understanding Money Back Guarantees and Returns Policies
If you buy something [...]

The internet is a great source of money saving tips and advice.  If you’re in Canada, here are two great resources for you:
1. Great Canadian Forum.  Formerly Canadian Freebies and Stuff. This forum is filled with useful tips and freebies, contests and free samples information for Canadians. I’ve signed up with all sorts of free [...]

When you spend a lot of money on groceries but find you haven’t got enough to feed the family for two weeks it can be frustrating.  This happens with lack of planning.  Spending thirty minutes a week planning meals, making a shopping list and clipping coupons can do more than save you money, it can [...]