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Should Parents Help Children With Debt?
I am lucky enough to have no college debt or debt in general. This is largely in part to my decision go to state school and the help of my father. While my Dad did pay for my college (Thanks Dad!) he also taught me about the importance of savings, investments, and living within your means. Recently, I wrote an article about whether you should
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My Friend is Poor. Should I Pay for Him?
I have a friend who doesn’t earn much money at his job. I know this because he’s fairly open about his expenses, and of course I love to talk about money too, so from time to time we’ve talked about how we manage our money, what our big expenses are, and what we’re cutting out of our budget. We’re both pretty frugal and that’s part
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Pay Raise In Your Pocket! 7 Smart Steps to Take Now
A recent pay raise has my friend Sandy and her husband Dave at odds with each other. She wants to split the extra money between savings and paying off debt. Dave feels that they’ll end up spending the money anyway, knowing they have it available. Their debt consists of a mortgage and monthly credit card usage; the credit cards get paid every month in full.
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Half of College Grads Rely on Family: But Should They?
Last week, CNBC shared a story about recent grads called What will it take to get grads off the couch? In this article they explain that, “half of recent graduates ages 23 to 26 rely on financial support from their families to meet their current needs.” Being 23 and among the 50 percent that does get help, I was not that surprised. Especially since among my
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Sons or Daughters: Who Demands More Financial Support?
I graduated college last year and ever since I’ve been living at home. Since my father doesn’t require me to pay for rent or groceries, this time living at home has allowed me to grow my savings. For this reason, I understand why living at home can be the best option. But even I was shocked that grown sons and daughters need vastly different levels
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Should You Lend Parents Money?
Recently, one of my friends came to me with a dilemma. Her boyfriend, who is an engineer, was asked by his parents for $3,000. They’d recently bought a summer home and were having trouble affording renovations and the new mortgage. While his new job pays well, he barely makes enough to cover his rent and loans (like most recent college grads) so giving them money
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Money And Dating: Meeting The Financial Dream Guy or Gal
Whatever your term for dating, money is going to be part of it. And for better or for worse, money needs to be addressed before the relationship gets serious. Before you think about happily ever after, how do you determine someone’s money personality – and if it’s compatible with yours? With money and dating, what red flags do you look for?
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Splitting the bill: Fair or Unfair?
Last week I went on vacation with two friends, and we agreed that splitting the bill for everything was the best choice for airfare, condo, rental car, food and drinks. Meals out were our individual responsibilities. I put all expenses on my credit card – I volunteered, so I could get the points – and the ladies reimbursed me for all pre-paid costs. Throughout the
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Talking money with friends
During a recent dinner, I started to talk money with a friend. He is the bread winner, and his wife stays home with their two children. The conversation turned to salary and he disclosed how much he brings home each year – about $10,000 less than I do – and how funds are really tight. A sudden guilt washed over me and I wanted to
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Money is Hurting My Friendships!
Help! Money is harming my friendships. Most of my friends and family know I write about money for a living and sometimes I worry that it influences the way people talk around me. Do they feel pressure to justify splurges? To let me know they used a coupon? Do they hide certain purchases from me? Is my frugal lifestyle harming my relationships?
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Should You Pay Relatives for Child Care?
Recently, my favorite country radio station asked listeners if they thought you should have to pay your parent(s) to babysit their grandchildren. Many listeners said that the grandparents should be happy for the extra time with their grandchildren and that no payment is necessary. But, as a frequent baby sitter for my 4-year-old nephew, I have a different opinion. Should childcare from relatives be free?
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How Much Would You Pay to Be in a Wedding?
My best friend has been asked to be a bridesmaid in her cousin’s wedding. At first, she was very excited, but now the cost of being a bridesmaid has become overwhelming. As fun as it is to be in a wedding party, it can get pretty expensive…especially if the bride isn’t footing the bill. My friend’s cousin is getting married in a very lavish manner.
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Extreme Cheapskates: How Cheap Is Too Cheap?
The TLC reality show Extreme Cheapskates gives you an inside look at the most outrageously frugal people around. Recently, my twin sister told me I was a money hoarder, but my saving habits would be laughable to these extreme cheapskates. Many extreme cheapskates embarrass family members with their crazy saving techniques. They do everything from eating out of the trash to reusing tissues! Here are 10
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How Can I Move Out Without Going Broke?
I’ve been living at my Dad’s house since I graduated from college in May, without any college debt, might I add! While I like living with my siblings, I’ve been having trouble with my Dad’s rules and my step-mother. My dad is very traditional and thinks I should live at home until I get married (yikes!) and would not be supportive of me moving out.
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Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price.