John and Jane, a married couple, keep separate bank accounts . . . John has his money and Jane has hers, but they do not have a joint account. Running the household finances is a bit of a challenge, but they stay current on their bills by each taking responsibility for certain payments . . . .
Archives for January 2013
Should You Use Your Emergency Savings to Pay Off Debt?
This past year our family experienced more medical expenses than planned. Nevertheless, we made it through the year just fine. I was thankful we didn’t end up accumulating any credit card debt. I know that can’t be the case for everyone . . . so should you use your emergency fund to pay off debt?
How Having an Emergency Fund Can Help You Save on Insurance Premiums
Your emergency savings is set aside to be used for nothing but emergencies. Right? Right! But that very fund can also be used to help you save on insurance premiums . . . .
Why You Should Beware of Percentage Budgets
You have seen those percentage budget plans which deftly tell you what percentage of your budget you should spend on which categories. Yes, they are a good guide, but you need to beware that giving too much credence to those percentages could get you in trouble. For example . . . .
What is Gross vs. Net Income?
Quickly, how would you would answer this question: “What’s your income?” Everyone should understand the difference between gross and net income and why both numbers are important in your financial life.