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Budget Planner

Articles filed under Budget Planner.

How to Budget: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

How to Budget: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

You don’t need to be an accounting expert to learn how to budget. Use these four simple steps to create a budget that actually works for your life.

Apr 18, 2026

Bills Got You Feeling Pinched? Try the Half Payment Budgeting Method

Bills Got You Feeling Pinched? Try the Half Payment Budgeting Method

The half payment method helps you avoid the financial pinch of paying your most expensive bills all at once.

Apr 18, 2026

30 Inexpensive Ideas to Keep Your Home Tidy and Organized

30 Inexpensive Ideas to Keep Your Home Tidy and Organized

Whether you’re trying to tame your junk drawer or straighten out your bedroom closet, having good organizational tools is key. You want your belongings to look nice and orderly. You want to know where everything is so you stop buying extra packs of batteries or Band-aids when you already have them… somewhere. But a trip...

Apr 18, 2026

No More Excuses! Cheap Gym Memberships to Keep Your Fitness Goals on Track

No More Excuses! Cheap Gym Memberships to Keep Your Fitness Goals on Track

Getting in shape requires making a decision and a commitment to putting in the work. It also takes an investment in time and often in money. Choosing a gym can be a very personal decision. The location might be important to you. You may want a gym you pass on your normal commute so you...

Apr 18, 2026

Can You Say Free Days? How to Visit National Parks on a Budget

Can You Say Free Days? How to Visit National Parks on a Budget

National parks offer an affordable way to experience otherworldly places without leaving the country. With thousands of trails to hike, rivers to kayak and lakes to swim, they allow you to enjoy a rewarding vacation experience that is all outdoors. In the last several years, I’ve pivoted my travel away from international flights and indoor...

Apr 18, 2026

Are Banking Apps Safe? 6 Ways to Keep Your Data Secure

Are Banking Apps Safe? 6 Ways to Keep Your Data Secure

Americans’ use of mobile banking apps and online banking continues to grow as fewer people are visiting brick and mortar banks to access their bank accounts. This has people wondering, “Are banking apps safe?” To answer this question, it's important to understand data privacy policies and have an awareness of potential threats to your consumer...

Apr 6, 2026

10 Budgeting Lessons to Keep With You Throughout 2022

10 Budgeting Lessons to Keep With You Throughout 2022

Managing money well is a lifelong pursuit. These top budgeting stories will set you off on the right path.

Apr 18, 2026

Got a Soon-to-Be Grad? Here’s How to Get Them Ready for Financial Independence

Got a Soon-to-Be Grad? Here’s How to Get Them Ready for Financial Independence

You’ve tried to teach financial independence to your kid, but how prepared are they really? Only 22.7% of U.S. high school students had guaranteed access to financial literacy education, according to a 2021-22 report from Next Gen Finance. For students leaving high school for immediate employment, paying bills and building credit are essential skills. College-bound...

Apr 18, 2026

Dear Penny: My husband plans to divorce me when he retires. Can I request half his Social Security benefits as settlement?

Dear Penny: My husband plans to divorce me when he retires. Can I request half his Social Security benefits as settlement?

Dear Surprised, I’m sorry for your circumstances; this sounds shocking and difficult to absorb. Financially, I have good news for you: You don’t have to fight for Social Security benefits from an ex-spouse. The Social Security Administration lets you claim up to half of his benefit amount as a matter of course. This doesn’t affect...

Apr 18, 2026

Living Small Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Compost: Try These Tips

Living Small Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Compost: Try These Tips

The absence of a backyard doesn’t cancel out your composting potential. Innovations in indoor systems make it easier than ever to keep things tidy and productive. You already have the raw ingredients. Now, it’s time to turn them into something valuable. Let’s walk through how to start. Use Best Indoor Bins For Small Spaces SHVETS...

Apr 4, 2026

This 6-Day Savings Challenge Is Going Viral By Making People Richer

This 6-Day Savings Challenge Is Going Viral By Making People Richer

Here’s how to organize your finances in seven simple steps, so you can achieve your loftiest goals.

Apr 18, 2026

29 Travel Hacks Every Road Tripper Should Know

29 Travel Hacks Every Road Tripper Should Know

 Cruising down the open road is a great way to get away from it all. Taking a road trip can be a cost-effective way to travel too — that is, if you do it right. Even with gas prices what they are, driving is still cheaper than flying in most cases and especially for families....

Apr 18, 2026