Personal Balance Sheet

Building a Personal Balance Sheet to Better Manage Finances
"A balance sheet is simply a snapshot of an entity's financial circumstances. Just as companies use balance sheets in the corporate world, individuals and families can likewise gain valuable insights by constructing personal balance sheets."

(Image from SXC.hu)

Creating a Holiday Budget

Here's my latest budgeting article tailored specifically to family finances for the holidays. Merry Christmas . . . in a few months. 

Tips for Creating a Christmas & Holiday Budget: Keeping Track of All the Expenses "The Christmas season has a way of magically making all our money disappear. Decide now to start a holiday budget you're committed to abiding by in the coming months. A family that saves together is more likely to stay together!"

"Wise Financial Management During Tough Economic Times"

Here's a great provident living article from LDS Newsroom with some practical and useful tips.

Wise Financial Management During Tough Economic Times

"Recent studies show one in four American workers is seriously distressed about his personal financial situation. Add to that the uncertainty of the economy and there becomes an increased need to improve personal and family financial management."

Ten Tips on How to Save Money on School Supplies

Ten Tips on How to Save Money on School Supplies

"If you don't time things right and plan ahead, you can wind up paying a fortune on school supplies. Here are ten tips for the budget-minded consumer on how to save money while buying school supplies for your kids."

And here are two more cost-effective, school-related articles.

Free Back to School Coloring Pages and Printables: 10 Fun Sites for Kids
"There's a lot you can do with children to help them ease back into the school year after a long and fun summer. Why not reintroduce the idea of school in a non-threatening way? Here are ten great sites to find free back to school coloring pages for kids."

Back to School Crafts and Activities: Decorating Pencil Boxes, Bookmarks, Pencils, and More!
"Since not every child is innately excited about school starting again, here are some back to school crafts and activities to do with your children to get them warmed up to the idea of summer coming to a close."

I hope your Summer Vacation is still going strong! :)

How to Plan a Road Trip on a Budget

Here's a little something for those of you trying to balance going on summer vacations with keeping your budget intact. Good luck!

Planning a Road Trip on a Budget: How to Take a Vacation Without Breaking the Bank "Ten tips on how to keep your road trip budget-friendly. Great vacations don't have to cost an arm and a leg when you keep these pointers in mind."

(Image Credit: sasicd © sxc.hu/sasicd)

Free Printables from FreePrintable.net

If you're looking for some free printables, like grocery lists and resume templates (not to mention unrelated prints like coloring activities and certificates) FreePrintable.net might just become your new go to website.

Resources that help keep you organized and your spending in check are so important in developing discipline. Make sure to use up the abundant and free resources around to help you and your family stay on top of all things finance.

Financial Goals and Happy 4th of July!

Holidays are a great time to reflect on what we truly have been blessed with, which can in turn, help us better align what should be our priorities. Being financially responsible should be more important than driving an expensive car that we can't afford. Working long hours to over-provide for our families is less notable than actually spending time with them.

You obviously have to make your own financial goals, but I'd challenge you to reassess your situation and recommit to having your actions consistent with the behavior you most desire for long-run happiness. Having written out goals that you diligently work towards will help you on the path to success.