If you’ve ever sat down to make a budget—feeling motivated and ready to go—only to end up stuck, stressed, or completely over it… you’re not alone. But here’s the good news—budgeting doesn’t have to feel this hard. Today, we’re talking about why budgeting can feel so hard—and, more importantly, how to make it easier so you can actually stick with it. Sound like something you need? Well then, let’s get started. Links for This Episode […]

Wedding planning can feel like a lot of work, and it can certainly make you realize just how expensive planning a wedding can be. There are numerous costs to consider and for some people, that cost could be beyond what is affordable. While a lot of weddings can be costly to plan and execute, there … The post How To Make Your Wedding Planning A More Budget-Friendly Affair appeared first on The Thrifty Issue.

Nerdwallet’s budgeting app is part of a suite of tools available whenever you register for an account on their site. It’s a lesser-advertised benefit. In addition to budgeting and monitoring your net worth, you can also get your credit score based on your TransUnion credit report. Not bad for a free app. 📔 Quick Summary: If you register an account on NerdWallet, you can get free access to their basic budgeting and net worth tracking tool as well as a free credit score based on your TransUnion credit report. It’s not a very complex tool but if you just want to keep an eye on your transactions, spending categories, and bills – it might be a good option for those who don’t want to pay. It is our favorite of the completely free budgeting apps. At a Glance Free More of a financial tracker than a budgeting tool Mobile focused, limited web access Ad heavy Who Should Use NerdWallet’s Budgeting App If you are new to budgeting, or have tried more complicated budgeting apps and gotten frustrated, NerdWallet’s budgeting app might be a good fit. It’s not a budgeting app, as much as it is a spending tracker. This is perfect for those who aren’t great at keeping up with their budget and really just want to know how they spent their money in the past. However, if you want a true budgeting app, where you can set categories and track your spending against your goals, then NerdWallet might not be for you. NerdWallet Alternatives Pricing$9.08 per month or $109 annually $10 per month or between $50 and $150 per year$2.99 Track net worthYesYesYesTrack credit scoreNoNoYesLearn moreLearn moreLearn more Table of ContentsAt a GlanceWho Should Use NerdWallet’s Budgeting AppNerdWallet AlternativesSigning up for NerdWalletCash Flow TrackingUpcoming Bills50/30/20 Budget TrackerNet Worth TrackingNerdWallet Mobile AppNerdWallet as a Budgeting ToolIs It Worth It?NerdWallet Budgeting App AlternativesYNABLunch MoneySimplifiBottom Line Signing up for NerdWallet Once you register for an account, you’re prompted to finish two more steps: Pull your credit score Connect your first account I don’t really care about my TransUnion credit score right now, but right below that image is “Your key numbers” and two intriguing boxes: Before you can use any of those features, they want more information so they can increase their security. They ask one security question and then want you to verify your phone number. This is probably a requirement for Plaid, what they use to link your accounts, and you always want two-factor authentication for stuff like this. Cash Flow Tracking Using Plaid, I connected our Chase credit cards to see what kind of budgeting features they would offer. NerdWallet wants your account numbers (Chase gives them “substitutes” that aren’t your actual numbers), account names, balances, transactions, rewards, and contact information. I offered up the main credit card we use, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. Incidentally, if you have multiple logins to a single institution, you can only use one. For example,

Every month we share our family’s real budget with you in an effort to break the taboo about budgeting and help you manage your own budget. Unfortunately, personal finance isn’t offered in most high schools and most people don’t ever have experience with a real budget until it’s their own. When we started openly sharing our finances on 2013, we had six figures of student loan debt. Through hard work and diligent budgeting, we paid […]

Our family lives in plenty of luxury but people who really know our situation sees me as someone who’s fairly frugal. “Why do you sacrifice to save when you can afford more?” is a question my friends often ask me. It’s a pretty pointed question, but what they really want to know is how they can motivate themselves to save more since putting money away seems like such a chore. Do you see saving money […]

In today’s fast-paced world, enjoying quality entertainment doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or simply someone looking to cut back on expenses, there are countless ways to indulge in leisure activities without draining your wallet. From exploring local community events to tapping into the wealth […] The post The Art of Budget Entertainment: Creative Ways to Enjoy Life Without Breaking the Bank appeared first on […]

Image Source: Pexels Are you craving a fine dining experience, but don’t want to spend a lot of money? It’s possible to enjoy the finer things in life without going over your monthly food and dining budget. Here are all the tips you need to find affordable fine dining experiences. Take Advantage of Events Almost every major city has some sort of restaurant week where special menus are offered at a reasonable price. Restaurants may […]

The post 7 Types of Retirement Plans to Consider for Your Employees appeared first on Dividend Power. Ensuring the financial well-being of your employees extends beyond competitive salaries. Nearly half, or 44% of retirees, encounter difficulties in affording essential living expenses. This predicament underscores the critical importance of establishing a comprehensive retirement benefits package. The landscape of retirement planning offers diverse options, each catering to specific needs and preferences. Employers must be attuned to the importance […]