An article by BudgetQueen When I got my puppy Billy at the Humane Society, they made me sign a waiver that I understood that he would cost me an average of $800 a year for food, shots and regular care. It seems like a lot at the time, but eleven years later all I can say is that was a serious UNDER estimate of what he actually cost me. No one loves animals more than I do, but also I know how much my pets have cost me over the years including an $800 fence, a $1600 large wire dog cage (when … [Read more...]
Should I lend my friend money?
An article by BudgetQueen At some point in our lives, we will borrow money. It could be from the bank, from our parents, or even from a friend. This could be anything from going to school, to buying a house, or even help paying bills. Sometimes we are extremely grateful. Most times we pay it back. At other points in our lives we will be compelled to loan another person money. On one hand you could be helping him or her tremendously, and it his can bring you closer. However, it can also ruin … [Read more...]
Being financially savvy means changing your mindset
An article by BudgetQueen A while ago I was approached by someone who was living paycheck to paycheck who was considering “playing the system," (such as not reporting income tax) when she found out that her husband was going to receive another pay cut. This extreme situation is wrong to most of us, but people can be pushed to the extreme in some cases. There is always a better alternative to “playing the system." To get out of a bad place financially often is just a matter of … [Read more...]
"Tricking" Yourself To Save Money
Dear Christine, I have the worst time saving money. My “rainy day” fund is used up every other paycheck. From a new set of tires here…to a new set of brake pads there -- I cannot keep up. Someone said that you need 5-8 months savings. I can’t even save up 5-8 days! Why is it so hard? “No Savings in Salt Lake” Dear “No Savings,” Life gets expensive and things come up all of the time; I know. There is a big trick to savings when you have a lot of expenses – saving small amounts and then … [Read more...]
Is it too late to change my career?
Dear Christine, I am completely unsatisfied with my job. I make a lot of money because I have been here so long so it is hard to leave. Plus I worked hard to be where I am now. But I dread going in every day. I just turned 38 and I am worried that it is too late to start over. “A career in jeopardy” Dear "career in jeopardy," I understand how hard it can be going everyday to a job that makes you unhappy. We have all had a job or two like that but we were conflicted because the … [Read more...]
