Headed off to college in the fall, or have a teenager who is? Knowing how to properly manage money is a lesson that needs to be learned before college classes begin! Wondering where to start? A healthy financial foundation doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with some basic building blocks: Have a Good Savings Account This is a step you should take at a young age! Maintaining a savings account is one of the best ways to start saving as a student. Read on →

While prices are still on the higher end, it can feel challenging to find ways to relax without breaking the bank. Fortunately, there are many ways to de-stress without spending too much money, or anything at all! Whether you want to enjoy your time at home or explore St. Louis, there are many ways to rest and relax on a budget. Take a Walk in Nature Nothing is more free than spending time in nature! Read on →

Summer is here! That means the sun is shining, the kids are out of school and seasonal fun is everywhere. And it also means there are many opportunities to go over your entertainment budget. Fortunately, there are many ways to stay on top of your finances, spend less on entertainment and enjoy your time this summer without breaking the bank. Visit a Library On a hot, humid day, consider visiting the St. Read on →

We all remember our first job. For some, it brings back memories of grease vats and going home smelling like French fries. For others, entering a grocery store is nostalgic of days spent bagging groceries and collecting shopping carts. Something that will never be forgotten is the feeling of receiving your first paycheck. Oh, how much you could do with the money that was your own! Regardless of when a person gets his or her first job—as a teenager or after college—learning money management skills should be a top priority. Read on →

Creating a budget is one of the best things you can do to get your finances under control. Budgeting helps prevent overspending, increase your savings and give you a detailed picture about where your money is actually going. But what happens when a budget is no longer working for you? Here are signs it’s time to refresh your budget. You Recently Got a Raise Congratulations! You finally got that raise you’ve worked so hard for. Read on →

Saving money is important for a healthy financial future, but there are a lot of factors that go into putting money aside every month. How much should I (or can I) save? Do I need a separate savings account? What am I actually saving for? Here are a few reasons why an emergency fund is an important part of your financial situation—and the best way to go about beginning an emergency fund. Read on →

Are you in the midst of paying off a large sum of debt? Or have your debt payments eaten up a lot of your extra monthly income? Dealing with debt can be challenging. When you feel like you’re getting ahead, something comes up and halts your payment plan in its tracks. While paying off debt is important, so is building a solid financial foundation. This means emergency funds and savings accounts are crucial to your financial well-being. Read on →

Saving for retirement can often feel like an overwhelming task for many people. Financial experts recommend saving for retirement as soon as you receive your first paycheck. Putting money aside for your future should be a priority from the get-go, especially once you begin earning money. Not everyone is able to start a retirement fund at an early age, but there are many perks to doing so. There are financial calculators to help determine how much should be saved to retire comfortably, but any contribution is beneficial. Read on →

Teaching your children about finances may not come naturally, especially if your parents never had the “money talk” with you. Why is it important to instill good money habits in your children? It’s a topic that will be learned somewhere, and it’s better that beneficial habits are learned rather than habits that will put them in a financial hole. Here are a few tips for talking to your kids about money and instilling good financial habits right from the get-go: Read on →

When we think about our finances, we tend to think about the big picture. It is common to consider bigger monthly expenses such as a mortgage or rent payment, child care costs and utility bills. While those are important parts of a budget, smaller daily expenses can really add up in the long run. If you aren’t accounting for these purchases in your overall monthly financial plan, you may be losing money without realizing it: Read on →