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5 Smart Money Hacks to Help You Budget for the Holidays

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But even with inflation going down, I knew I could be setting myself up for disappointment. How can anyone on a budget relax about money during the holidays? Here are a few hacks I’ve used over the years to help me both budget and enjoy the holidays. Consider it my gift to you, my fellow budgeters. Be honest.

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6 Real-Life Budgeting Tips to Save More Money

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Growing up, I had a green tin box where I stashed all of my cushion-hunting treasures. I only spent $60 on accommodations because I was able to pay for hotels with points earned from credit cards, and I even stayed at an ultra-luxurious hotel (typically $600 a night) for free by redeeming a reward from my points program.

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How to Create a Budget: 6 Steps to Get You on the Path to Financial Security

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We all know expenses exist, but the numbers keep adding up—rent, water, trash, electricity, cable, Internet, car insurance, renter’s insurance, gas, cell phone. According to a Gallup survey , only one in three Americans prepares a detailed household budget. That’s a big red flag—you need a budget. It all feels a bit much.

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A Single Mother Struggling to Budget Weighs the Balance Between Just Surviving and Really Living

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So, I had to learn to stick to my budget , which wasn’t easy, especially for someone who’d had to repeat a year of high school math. If I wanted them picked up from school, or to go for a quick after-work run, I had to pay a sitter. It added up. How did I rationalize spending money that put me slightly over budget?

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Using a Financial Planning Checklist Can Help You Meet Your Goals

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Although there are multiple ways to ‘tidy up’ your money , a list that you return to monthly or quarterly allows you to keep track of specific areas each time, giving you better data. See how your spending breaks down and determine where (or if) you need to adjust your budget.

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5 Financial Basics Everyone Should Know

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Managing your finances can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to keep up with the latest budgeting software, personal finance app or investment hack and not just the financial basics. While it’s essential to keep up with some financial news, trying to track every detail can weigh you down.

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How to Set and Achieve Financial Goals

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Medium-term: These goals will take longer to reach than short-term goals but are still generally achievable in the next one to five years, such as paying off credit card debt or saving for a new car. Then you can easily add more if your situation changes, such as getting a raise or adjusting your budget. Rebalance your budget.

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