Realistic Emergency Savings Amount?
What Is a Realistic Amount for Emergency Savings?
Chances are that if you’ve ever looked into how much money you should be putting away as an emergency/”rainy day” fund, you have found that most financial experts, including myself, will suggest something like three to six months’ worth. The question, though, is three to six months’ worth of what? Gross income? Net income? All household expenses?
Here’s my take on this vital subject. First of all, it is my opinion that having an emergency fund is one of the top two or three indicators as to whether a household will remain financially stable or remain living continually on the edge of a financial abyss. Continue reading “Realistic Emergency Savings Amount?” »
Financial Resource of the Week – www.Mint.com
This weeks free financial resource is www.mint.com.
Mint.com is a free personal finance software, budget software, and online money management and budget planner service that allows you to track your bank accounts as well as your income and set goals and see your spending habits. Continue reading “Financial Resource of the Week – www.Mint.com” »
Free Financial Forums Scheduled at Tulsa Library
Here is an announcement I wanted to share with our Tulsa clients and community members. This is a repost of an article posted by the Tulsa Business Staff highlighting the free forums available. I encourage anyone in the area in need of financial advice and knowledge to participate, especially in these trying economic times. Continue reading “Free Financial Forums Scheduled at Tulsa Library” »
Gambling with Your Financial Future and Losing
Lottery and our Financial Future
We saw an interesting poll from Bankrate.com that asked how people envision themselves getting financially ahead, particularly in a difficult economy.
Not surprisingly, “Saving and Investing” was the number one answer, at 36%, followed by “Additional Education or Job Training” at 23%. Running your own business (which is actually the most common profession of millionaires in this country) was fifth at just 6%. Continue reading “Gambling with Your Financial Future and Losing” »
Your Weekly Financial Review
How often are you looking at your personal finances and your budget? Each month? Every two weeks? Do you know how much money you have to spend this week? What’s in your budget for your next trip to the grocery store?
Financial stability and long-term financial success essentially require that you establish a monthly spending plan and that every week you look at it, adjust it, and ensure you’re living by it. Continue reading “Your Weekly Financial Review” »
Focusing Your Financial Energies
In these unsettled economic times, we offer the following suggestions for your household finances:
- 1. Continue to make payments to your creditors if you’re in the process of paying off debt. Having fewer of the proverbial creditors “knocking on your door” means less of a likelihood of additional and unexpected fees and/or interest rate hikes. Continue reading “Focusing Your Financial Energies” »
Begin at the Beginning: Write Down Your Financial Goals
Bathroom mirrors. Refrigerator doors. Bedroom closet walls. Bed stands. Wallets & purses.
What do they all have in common? They are great locations to post your written financial goals. If you haven’t written down three to five financial goals, following you will find a few tips to help you get started. Continue reading “Begin at the Beginning: Write Down Your Financial Goals” »