SavvySugar

Get Organized For October With SavvySugar Downloads

SavvySugar — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 04:00:35 -0700

Staying organized and on top of your savings are key to both long-term financial and personal success. Doing so isn't easy without a little extra assistance, which is why we've put together a selection of pretty printable downloads that will help you get and stay on track. The beginning of a month is the ideal time to get organized.

It's never too late: Check out Savvy's 2009 Resolution worksheet!

Get your budget on track with Savvy's Spending Tracker doc!

Did he put a ring on it? Download Savvy's Wedding Planning Checklist!

Back to Basics: Get Organized With Savvy Downloads

SavvySugar — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 05:08:00 -0700

It's never too late: Check out Savvy's 2009 Resolution worksheet!

Get your budget on track with Savvy's Spending Tracker doc!

Did he put a ring on it? Download Savvy's Wedding Planning Checklist!

Your Two Cents: Have You Been Tracking Your Spending?

SavvySugar — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:30:03 -0800

Thirty days ago I challenged you to take the first steps to getting your budget on track by using the SavvySugar spending tracker. The whole purpose of tracking your spending is to make your habits visible, so that you have a good idea of where you could be spending more wisely.

Have you been tracking your spending for the last month?

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Get Your Budget on Track With the Savvy Spending Tracker!

SavvySugar — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:30:18 -0800

Do you know how much you spend per month on food and beverages (I'm looking at you, 7-11 trips and work lunches) and personal care (can we say money-sucking drug store trips)? The new year is all about taking control, and most of you intend on saving more money or paying down debt in 2009. In order to find extra money in your budget to achieve your goals, you need to figure out where your spending can be trimmed. That's where my handy spending tracker comes in.

It's simple: For one month, track every single purchase, no matter how small. If you make a trip to the grocery store, take a moment to review your receipt so you're able to categorize everything into food, household, etc. You could wait to tally each category until the end of the month, or you can total each week to simplify the process.

Tracking your spending in this way makes every single purchase visible and paints a clear picture of where your money is going. After tracking, you should have a good idea of where you could be spending more wisely. I'll do a progress check with you on Feb. 12!

Download the SavvySugar Spending Tracker here or by clicking on the image above.

Your Favorite Money Management Tool in 2008

SavvySugar — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 07:00:00 -0800

According to the website, Mint.com has been named the best online personal finance tool by Money, Kiplinger, and PC magazines, and is PC World’s Editor’s Choice; now Mint can add another line to its accolades as the SavvySugar readers' favorite of 2008!

Unsure of what this online money management tool entails? Mint is a free website that allows you to view all of your accounts in one place, provides budgeting tools that help determine where would be easiest to cut spending, and helps find interest savings by comparing your bank account and credit card rates to others. Online management tools are extremely helpful in goal-setting, which sounds just perfect for the New Year.

Have you tried Mint? Why do you like it or dislike it?

Six Steps to Worrying Less About Your Money: Part V

SavvySugar — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:26:17 -0800

While the act of creating a budget may not be the first thing you want to do with the little spare time you have, the effects of budgeting - like being able to take that long awaited vacation - are more than worth the little effort it actually takes to organize your spending. Real Simple lists needing a budget fifth in the March issue's feature. To see the magazine's simple and useful tips for building a budget just read more

Grab a blank notebook: Write down every penny you spend for a whole month so you know where your money is actually going.
Take stock: At the month's end, categorize your spending in to basic categories (food, clothing, shelter, savings, etc) and divvy up your expenses.
Play with the numbers: If there's a concert you want to go to next month, rearrange the numbers so that maybe you spend less on eating out to buy the tickets. Your list of monthly expenses should serve as a guideline for all future spending.
Sign up for an online money-tracking program, like wesabe or mint: These programs can be linked to your credit card and bank accounts and will categorize your expenses for you. All you have to do is enter any purchases you made with cash.

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What Change Would Affect You Most?

SavvySugar — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 07:06:36 -0800

So you've made the commitment to revamp your finances this year, but where will you start? Prioritizing the changes you're making might be a no-brainer for you, or it may be a bit challenging. Which of these changes would impact your finances the most?

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Your Two Cents: Is There Room in Your Holiday Budget For Charity?

SavvySugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:00:58 -0800

The holiday season isn't just about gift-giving - even while the budget may be stretched, it's also the time of year to give to charity. It's no secret that things are tight this year. The recession is changing the way we holiday shop, but is it also changing our philanthropic spirit of giving for a good cause?

Apparently so. Charitable foundations and organizations throughout the country are suffering from a lack of funds - the size of charitable giving just isn't sizable enough. Nonprofits, especially on the local level, are dealing with some serious cutbacks in their budgets, thanks to an economic climate that makes giving to a cause more of a luxury than it used to be. Where organizations used to rely on the generosity of philanthropic donors, they are now turning to the government for aid.

It's unfortunate, but while philanthropy is still a valued cause for giving, there are many who just may not be able to offer support this year. Of course, there are other ways to help out - volunteering, for one - but I'm curious: Is writing a check for charity out of the question this holiday season? Or are you still making room in your budget for a charitable donation?

6 Tips For Organizing a Bachelorette Party Budget

SavvySugar — Fri, 08 May 2009 06:30:03 -0700

Splitting a dinner bill in a large group can be difficult, but that frustration is multiplied when gathering funds for a bachelorette event. Even if all the ladies say they want to give the bride the most memorable weekend possible, it's likely that some of those attending will have different ideas about how much money it takes to make that happen. Use my tips as a guide to organizing a budget for your next bachelorette party.

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Get Organized For November With SavvySugar Downloads

SavvySugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:45:21 -0800

It's never too late. Check out Savvy's 2009 resolution worksheet!

Get your budget on track with Savvy's spending tracker doc!

Did he put a ring on it? Download Savvy's wedding planning checklist!