Dear Piggy Bank, Each year I promise myself I’ll have a better handle on back to school expenses and here I am again, it’s three weeks until school starts. What should we budget for and how much? Baffled on Back to School Budget Dear Baffled on Back to School Budget, It’s hard to believe it’s […]

Dear Piggy Bank, We both work full time and we try hard not to eat out or order in too much and I think we’re doing a pretty good job. Where we are having trouble is our grocery bill. I’m not really sure how it happens but I’m surprised at the amount at the check […]

Dear Piggy Bank, It’s most of the way through July and we’re going to blow our summer budget if we’re not careful. How do we stay on track during the summer? The kids are out of school, we’re taking some holidays, there are bbq’s and less hours at work? Simmering Summer Budget Dear Simmering Summer […]

Dear Piggy Bank, I’ve always wanted to travel but there doesn’t seem to be the money to take a trip longer than long weekends or a flight home at Christmas to see my family. How do I make this happen? Hopeful Traveler

Dear Piggy Bank, I’m an elementary school teacher and as June draws to a close I battle with two feelings. I can’t wait for the break after another busy year but I also feel guilty that I haven’t set aside the money. I know that I’ll have a big credit card bill by September. I […]

How much do you spend on transportation? It can easily add up to a chunk of your budget when you add it all up. Do you… Own your own vehicle Use public transit  Bike or walk Have the use of a work vehicle Use a car co-op Cab it Rent Each mode of transportation comes […]

It didn’t take too long but a few minutes spent re-arranging the shelving unit beside my desk has made such an improvement! I knew where things were (mostly) and the biggest change was grouping ‘like’ items in the same sections. I do Lean Continuous Improvement in my ‘other job’ and a 5S can really apply […]

The tortoise and the hare can teach us a lesson on this subject too! Whether you are saving for retirement, a big trip, a home or something special, slow and steady does it. Here are a few reasons why: If the amount is built into your budget, it is part of the plan Automatic monthly […]

The 80/20 rule can apply to most anything. Even financial planning! If you’ve been meaning get your financial house in order, don’t wait for the perfect plan. You might be surprised how many steps forward you can take once you’ve got the majority of the thinking done. Details can always be added or refined as […]

Are you expecting a tax refund? If so, do you have a plan? The best way to get the most out of your tax refund is to have a plan. It’s your money after all – coming back to you! Before you dip into it (even a little bit), take a moment to think about […]