#personal finance debt tips.

[financia012]

How My Perspective on Debt Changed: From Fear to Financial Tool”

What’s a topic or issue about which you’ve changed your mind? Introduction: For a long time, I was taught that debt was something to avoid at all costs. Growing up, I saw debt as a burden—something that could trap you and ruin your financial future. However, as I learned more about personal finance and grew in my understanding, I realized that debt, when managed wisely, could be a powerful tool…

[bitchesgetriches]

{ MASTERPOST } Everything You Need to Know about Saving Money and Being Frugal

We’re all in this together. Don’t give up.

On food and groceries:

How to Shop for Groceries like a Boss

Why Name Brand Products Are Beneath You: The Honor and Glory of Buying Generic

If You Don’t Eat Leftovers I Don’t Even Want to Know You

You Are above Bottled Water, You Elegant Land Mermaid

You Should Learn To Cook. Here’s Why.

On entertainment and socializing:

The Frugal Introvert’s Guide to the Weekend

7 Totally Reasonable Ways To Save Money on Cheap Entertainment 

Take Pride in Being a Cheap Date

The Library Is a Magical Place and You Should Fucking Go There

Your Library Lets You Stream Audiobooks and eBooks FOR FREEEEEEE!

What’s the Effect of Social Media on Your Finances?

You Won’t Regret Your Frugal 20s

On health:

How to Pay Hospital Bills When You’re Flat Broke

Run With Me if You Want to Save: How Exercising Will Save You Money

Our Master List of 100% Free Mental Health Self-Care Tactics

Why You Probably Don’t Need That Gym Membership

How to Get DIRT CHEAP Pet Medication, Without a Prescription 

On other big expenses:

Businesses Will Happily Give You HUGE Discounts if You Ask This Magic Question

Understand the Hidden Costs of Travel and Avoid Them Like the Plague

Other People’s Weddings Don’t Have to Make You Broke

You Deserve Cheap, Fake Jewelry… Just Like Coco Chanel

3 Times I Was Damn Grateful for My Emergency Fund (and Side Income) 

When (and How) to Try Refinancing or Consolidating Student Loans

The Real Story of How I Paid Off My Mortgage Early in 4 Years 

Season 2, Episode 2: “I’m Not Ready to Buy a House—But How Do I *Get Ready* to Get Ready?”

The Most Impactful Financial Decision I’ve Ever Made… and Why I Don’t Recommend It

On buying secondhand and trading:

Almost Everything Can Be Purchased Secondhand

I Am a Craigslist Samurai and so Can You: How to Sell Used Stuff Online

The Delicate Art of the Friend Trade

On giving gifts and charitable donations:

How Can I Tame My Family’s Crazy Gift-Giving Expectations?

In Defense of Shameless Regifting

Make Sure Your Donations Have the Biggest Impact by Ruthlessly Judging Charities

The Anti-Consumerist Gift Guide: I Have No Gift to Bring, Pa Rum Pa Pum Pum

How to Spot a Charitable Scam

Ask the Bitches: How Do I Say “No” When a Loved One Asks for Money… Again? 

On resisting temptation:

How to Insulate Yourself From Advertisements

Making Decisions Under Stress: The Siren Song of Chocolate Cake

The Magically Frugal Power of Patience

6 Proven Tactics for Avoiding Emotional Impulse Spending

On minimalism and buying less:

Don’t Spend Money on Shit You Don’t Like, Fool

Everything I Know About Minimalism I Learned from the Zombie Apocalypse

Slay Your Financial Vampires

The Subscription Box Craze and the Mindlessness of Wasteful Spending

On saving money:

How To Start Small by Saving Small

Not Every Savings Account Is Created Equal

The Unexpected Benefits (and Downsides) of Money Challenges

Budgets Don’t Work for Everyone—Try the Spending Tracker System Instead

From HYSAs to CDs, Here’s How to Level Up Your Financial Savings

Season 2, Episode 10: “Which Is Smarter: Getting a Loan? or Saving up to Pay Cash?”

The Magic of Unclaimed Property: How I Made $1,900 in 10 Minutes by Being a Disorganized Mess

We will periodically update this list with newer articles. And by “periodically” I mean “when we remember that it’s something we forgot to do for four months.”

Bitches Get Riches: setting realistic expectations since 2017!

Start saving right heckin’ now!

If you want to start small with your savings, consider signing up for an Acorns account! They round up your every purchase to the nearest dollar and save and invest the change for you. We like them so much we’ve generously allowed them to sponsor us with this affiliate link:

Start investing today with Acorns

[wildhannimal]

Before you pay that not-covered hospital bill:

I want to take a min to spread awareness for the No Surprises Act after noticing a reddit post earlier.

This protection for patients just popped up in the past couple years, and the one major downside is that it's up to the patients to speak up to make use of it, but not everyone knows what it is.

"If you have private health insurance, these new protections ban the most common types of surprise bills. If you’re uninsured or you decide not to use your health insurance for a service, under these protections, you can often get a good faith estimate of the cost of your care up front, before your visit."

Consumer fact sheet

Typically, health insurance companies will help pay for bills from "in-network" providers, AKA their VIP inner circle gang turf. They won't help pay if you get medical care from another gang's henchmen (out of network).

This means that sometimes, a person would go to the hospital, which they knew had been covered by their insurance before, so they expect it's going to be relatively affordable. But they didn't know that multiple medical "gangs" were working in the same hospital. Their anesthesiologist, for example, was from a different gang. That specialist was out of network even though the surgeon and nurses were all in network.

Boom. Big bill for thousands of dollars and their insurance refuses to help pay it.

But now we have this law! The No Surprises Act means that insurance companies need to cover "surprise" expenses (under certain conditions).

If you don't have health insurance, hospitals and clinics need to give you an accurate quote before you get services, then foot the bill if they were too far off the mark.

The Fact Sheet section (UPDATE: this consumer toolkit link is better) of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services have some wonderful user-friendly resources for you about health insurance and how this act works.

Keep in mind that Medicare and government-run programs always have weird rules for everything, so you might have different (yet similar) protections through those programs.

If you have a medical bill that wasn't covered by insurance and you think it might count as a surprise bill, please check out your rights and consider fighting it instead of letting it become a stressful expense or debt you can't repay.

Go here to start figuring things out for your situation:

Health insurance companies have way, waaaaay too much power over our lives. We need every drop of protection we can get - but it only counts as much as we can understand and use those protections!

[talabib]

Mastering the Art of Investing: Practical Strategies for Insightful Decision-Making

Key Point:

Making smart and insightful investment decisions is an attainable goal with the right strategies in place. By recognizing your limitations, managing emotions, seeking professional guidance, and aligning your investments with personal objectives, you can cultivate a robust and successful investment portfolio that stands the test of time.

Sound investment decisions are the bedrock of financial success. However, navigating the complex world of investing can be challenging, even for the most seasoned investors. This post explores practical strategies for making smart and insightful investment decisions, empowering you to grow your wealth with confidence and finesse.

Recognize the Limits of your Abilities

In both life and investing, it is crucial to acknowledge the boundaries of our expertise. Overestimating our abilities can lead to ill-advised decisions and, ultimately, financial losses. By cultivating humility and seeking external guidance when necessary, we can minimize risks and make more informed investment choices.

Manage Emotional Influence on Decision-Making

Emotions can significantly impact our ability to make rational decisions. To circumvent the sway of emotions, adopt a disciplined approach to investing, relying on data-driven analysis and long-term strategies rather than succumbing to impulsive reactions.

Leverage the Expertise of an Advisor

Engaging a professional financial advisor is a prudent investment decision. Their wealth of knowledge and experience can help you navigate market complexities and identify opportunities tailored to your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.

Maintain Composure Amidst Market Volatility

Periods of market turbulence can incite panic among investors. However, it is essential to remain level-headed and maintain a long-term perspective during such times. Avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term fluctuations and focus on your overarching financial objectives.

Assess Company Management Actions Over Rhetoric

When evaluating potential investments, examine the actions of a company's management rather than relying solely on their statements. This approach ensures a more accurate understanding of the organization's performance, financial health, and growth prospects.

Prioritize Value Over Glamour in Investment Selection

The most expensive investment options are not always the wisest choices. Focus on identifying value rather than being swayed by glamorous or high-priced options. This strategy promotes long-term financial growth and mitigates the risk of overpaying for underperforming assets.

Exercise Caution with Novel and Exotic Investments

While unique and exotic investment opportunities may appear enticing, approach them with caution. Ensure thorough research and due diligence before committing to such investments, as they may carry higher risks and potential pitfalls.

Align Investments with Personal Goals

Invest according to your individual objectives rather than adhering to generic rules or mimicking the choices of others. Personalized investment strategies are more likely to yield favorable results, as they account for your unique financial circumstances, risk appetite, and long-term aspirations.

Making smart and insightful investment decisions is an attainable goal with the right strategies in place. By recognizing your limitations, managing emotions, seeking professional guidance, and aligning your investments with personal objectives, you can cultivate a robust and successful investment portfolio that stands the test of time.

Action plan: Learn a few simple rules and ignore the rest of the advice you receive. 

It’s easy to become completely overwhelmed by the volume of advice available about investing. However, you don’t need to become an expert on the stock market in order to become a good investor. 

Just like an amateur poker player can go far if he simply learns to fold his worst hands and bet on his best ones, a novice investor can become very competent just by following a few simple rules. For example, he should learn not to overreact to dips in the market and make sure to purchase value stocks instead of glamour stocks. 

[dollar-and-sense]

Mastering Personal Finance and Investing: Your Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom

Introduction: Understanding the Importance of Personal Finance and Investing Personal Finance and Investing: Your Path to Financial Freedom Importance of Personal Finance and Investing for Wealth Creation The Basics of Personal Finance: Budgeting, Saving, and Debt Management Mastering the Basics: Budgeting, Saving, and Debt Management Budgeting Tips for Effective Personal Finance…

[everywherenyc]

#SavingsTip - 3 MODERN WAYS TO ADD TO YOUR SAVINGS ACCOUNT

1. Round-Up Feature: Connect checking to round-up app or activate on account. Automatically save spare change from purchases, effortless savings method.

2. Cashback Rewards: Utilize platforms offering money back on purchases. Transfer earnings to savings directly from store apps, memberships, or websites.

3. Automated Transfers: Schedule regular transfers from checking to savings, like each payday. Small amounts accumulate easily, automated and convenient. 

[fastlane-freedom]

Master Your Finances: 10 Proven Strategies for Financial Freedom

Financial success is a dream that many people aspire to achieve. Whether it’s the desire to retire comfortably, provide for your family, or simply enjoy a worry-free life, mastering your finances is essential. But achieving financial freedom is not a matter of luck; it requires careful planning, discipline, and the implementation of proven strategies. In this blog, we will explore ten strategies…

[champstorymedia]

Prepare for Tax Season: Strategies to Minimize Your Tax Liability

In today’s complex tax environment, it’s more important than ever for individuals and businesses to prepare for tax season in order to minimize their tax liability. By utilizing strategic tax planning techniques and taking advantage of available deductions and credits, you can reduce the amount of taxes you owe and keep more money in your pocket. In this article, we will explore some key…

[maal-wave]

Crucial Money Management Strategies for a More Prosperous Future

[themoneysavvyblog]

10 Signs You're Financially Healthier Than You Think

It’s easy to feel behind financially, especially in today’s economy and social media frenzy, but you may actually be doing better than you realize if some of these signs sound familiar: 1. You’re Free of High-Interest Debt If you’re not carrying high-interest debt like credit cards or payday loans, you’re ahead of many. Paying off high-interest debt frees up more of your income for savings and…

[bitchesgetriches]

{ MASTERPOST } Everything You Need to Know about How to Pay off Debt

Understanding debt:

Let’s End This Damaging Misconception About Credit Cards

Season 2, Episode 10: “Which Is Smarter: Getting a Loan? or Saving up to Pay Cash?”

Dafuq Is Interest? And How Does It Work for the Forces of Darkness?

Investing Deathmatch: Paying off Debt vs. Investing in the Stock Market

How to Build Good Credit Without Going Into Debt

Dafuq Is a Down Payment? And Why Do You Need One to Buy Stuff?

It’s More Expensive to Be Poor Than to Be Rich

Making Decisions Under Stress: The Siren Song of Chocolate Cake

How Mental Health Affects Your Finances

Paying off debt:

Kill Your Debt Faster with the Death by a Thousand Cuts Technique

Share My Horror: The World’s Worst Debt Visualization

The Best Way To Pay off Credit Card Debt: From the Snowball To the Avalanche

The Debt-Killing Power of Rounding up Bills

A Dungeonmaster���s Guide to Defeating Debt

How to Pay Hospital Bills When You’re Flat Broke 

Ask the Bitches Pandemic Lightning Round: “What Do I Do If I Can’t Pay My Bills?” 

Slay Your Financial Vampires

Season 4, Episode 3: “My credit card debt is slowly crushing me. Is there any escape from this horrible cycle?” 

Case Study: Held Back by Past Financial Mistakes, Fighting Bad Credit and $90K in Debt 

Student loan debt:

What We Talk About When We Talk About Student Loans

Ask the Bitches: “The Government Put Student Loans in Forbearance. Can I Stop Paying—or Is It a Trap?”

How to Pay for College without Selling Your Soul to the Devil

When (and How) to Try Refinancing or Consolidating Student Loans

Ask the Bitches: I Want to Move Out, but I Can’t Afford It. How Bad Would It Be to Take out Student Loans to Cover It?

Season 4, Episode 4: “I’m $100K in Student Loan Debt and I Think It Should Be Forgiven. Does This Make Me an Entitled Asshole?” 

The 2022 Student Loan Forgiveness FAQ You’ve Been Waiting For

2023 Student Loan Forgiveness Update: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly 

Our Final Word on Student Loan Forgiveness 

Avoiding debt:

Ask Not How Much You Should Save, Ask How Much You Should Spend 

How to Make Any Financial Decision, No Matter How Tough, with Maximum Swag

Your Yearly Free Medical Care Checklist

Two-Ring Circus 

Status Symbols Are Pointless and Dumb 

Advice I Wish My Parents Gave Me When I Was 16 

On Emergency Fund Remorse… and Bacon Emergencies

Should You Increase Your Salary or Decrease Your Spending? 

Don’t Spend Money on Shit You Don’t Like, Fool

The Magically Frugal Power of Patience

The Only Advice You’ll Ever Need for a Cheap-Ass Wedding 

The Most Impactful Financial Decision I’ve Ever Made… and Why I Don’t Recommend It 

3 Times I Was Damn Grateful for My Emergency Fund (and Side Income) 

Buy Now Pay Later Apps: That Old Predatory Lending by a Crappy New Name 

Credit Card Companies HATE Her! Stay Out of Credit Card Debt With This One Weird Trick 

Ask the Bitches: Should I Get a Loan Even Though I Can Afford To Pay Cash? 

The Bitches vs. debt:

I Paid off My Student Loans Ahead of Schedule. Here’s How.

I Paid off My Student Loans. Now What?

Hurricane Debt Weakens to Tropical Storm Debt, but Experts Warn It’s Still Debt

The Real Story of How I Paid Off My Mortgage Early in 4 Years

Case Study: Swimming Upstream against Unemployment, Exhaustion, and $2,750 a Month in Unproductive Spending 

That’s all for now! We try to update these masterposts periodically, so check back for more in… a couple… months??? Maybe????

[kids-worldfun]

How to Finally Pay Off Your Student Loan Debt

Perhaps like millions of others, student loan debt is that dark cloud that hovers over you. Every month, you pay off the obligations, but the balance barely seems to budge. Frustrating, exhausting, and often wondered with a sense of hopelessness: “Will I ever be debt-free?” Yes, it’s possible – once one plans and commits – to pay off student loan debt. Here’s how you can regain control of your…

[talabib]

How to Work Less to Achieve More

Key Point:

keep your attention on an important task by adopting hyperfocus. When you hyperfocus, you rid your environment of distractions, and become aware of what’s occupying your mind. What’s more, every time your attention strays, redirect it. Remember is that scatterfocus can help you with tricky problems that require creative solutions. With scatterfocus, you allow the mind to wander and make unusual connections. You can help create scatterfocus by nourishing your mind and allowing time to reflect.

In our fast-paced world, working long hours has become the norm. However, the key to achieving more is not simply working harder or longer—it's about working smarter. In this article, we will explore strategies to help you work less while accomplishing more. By training yourself to enjoy hyperfocus, cultivating meta-awareness and intentional focus, eliminating distractions, harnessing the power of scatterfocus for creative thinking, connecting seemingly unrelated information, and nourishing your mind, you can optimize your productivity and achieve greater success.

Train yourself to enjoy hyperfocus more.

Hyperfocus is a state of intense concentration where you become fully immersed in a task or activity. To work less and achieve more, it's important to train yourself to enjoy and leverage hyperfocus. Set clear goals, break tasks into manageable chunks, and eliminate distractions. Engage in activities that naturally captivate your attention and give you a sense of fulfillment. By training yourself to enjoy hyperfocus, you can maximize productivity and accomplish more in less time.

Meta-awareness and intentional focus are key to managing your attention.

Meta-awareness refers to being aware of your own thoughts and mental processes. Intentional focus involves directing your attention consciously and purposefully. Cultivating these skills is essential for effective attention management. Develop the ability to notice when your mind starts to wander and gently bring your focus back to the task at hand. By practicing meta-awareness and intentional focus, you can reduce time wasted on distractions and stay on track to achieve your goals.

Achieve hyperfocus by ridding your environment of distractions.

Distractions can significantly impact productivity and hinder your ability to work efficiently. Create a conducive work environment by minimizing distractions. Turn off notifications on your phone, close unnecessary browser tabs, and create a physical workspace that promotes focus. Consider using productivity tools or apps that block or limit access to distracting websites or applications. By eliminating external distractions, you can enter a state of hyperfocus and accomplish more in less time.

Scatterfocus helps you plan and think creatively.

Scatterfocus is the practice of intentionally allowing your mind to wander and explore different ideas, without a specific goal or objective. This mental state can be beneficial for planning and creative thinking. Set aside dedicated time for scatterfocus, allowing your mind to freely explore different thoughts and possibilities. Embrace daydreaming, engage in activities that stimulate your imagination, and give yourself permission to think outside the box. By incorporating scatterfocus into your work routine, you can generate fresh ideas and enhance your problem-solving skills.

Use scatterfocus to connect the dots between seemingly unrelated bits of information.

One of the unique benefits of scatterfocus is its ability to facilitate connections between seemingly unrelated information. During moments of scatterfocus, your mind can make unexpected connections and insights. Capture these ideas by carrying a notebook or using a note-taking app to jot down your thoughts. When you revisit these notes later, you may discover valuable connections and insights that can fuel your productivity and lead to innovative solutions.

Nourish your mind to make the most of scatterfocus.

To optimize scatterfocus and enhance your overall productivity, it's important to nourish your mind. Engage in activities that promote mental well-being, such as regular exercise, quality sleep, and mindfulness practices. Take breaks throughout the day to recharge and refresh your mind. Additionally, fuel your brain with nutritious foods that support cognitive function, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids. By prioritizing self-care and nourishing your mind, you can maximize the benefits of scatterfocus and achieve more with less effort.

Working less while achieving more is within your reach. By training yourself to enjoy hyperfocus, cultivating meta-awareness and intentional focus, eliminating distractions, harnessing the power of scatterfocus for creative thinking, connecting seemingly unrelated information, and nourishing your mind, you can optimize your productivity and achieve greater success. Remember, it's not about working longer hours, but about working smarter. Embrace these strategies, experiment with different techniques, and find the balance that works best for you. As you implement these practices, you'll discover the power of effective attention management and witness your productivity soar.

Action Plan:  Have a cup of coffee to help you hyperfocus.

Caffeine and hyperfocus are a match made in heaven. Caffeine keeps you alert and focused. It helps you persevere when work gets boring. And perhaps most importantly, it can improve your performance on a number of cognitive tasks. So the next time you need a burst of intense concentration, make sure you’ve got a cup of coffee to hand – if nothing else, it tastes wonderful.

[theroguebanshee]

Breaking the Chains of Debt: Our Journey to Financial Freedom

In this episode of The Undependent Podcast, Jason Schaller shares his personal story of breaking free from debt and gaining financial independence. Learn how he and his family tackled over $70,000 of debt using the Avalanche Method, and discover practical tips for distinguishing between wants and needs, making sacrifices, and building long-term financial freedom. Jason also touches on the…

[radiantrealities]

Financial Independence for Gen Z and Millennials

Introduction Hey there! If you’re a member of Gen Z or a Millennial, chances are you’ve heard the buzz about financial independence. But what does it really mean? Simply put, financial independence is the ability to support yourself without relying on anyone else—this includes having enough savings and investments to cover your living expenses. As the world evolves, so do the challenges we face…