budgeting

How do you reconcile Amazon purchases? One of the frustrating things I find about budgeting in a tool like YNAB (You Need a Budget) is to figure out how to reconcile Amazon, Walmart or Target purchases.  Amazon and other big box stores allow you to purchase items from all sorts of categories. They may be gifts, household items, car stuff and even groceries. How do you manage these types of purchases? Here I wanted to show you how I reconcile Amazon purchases with Amazon's website. Amazon Transactions After making a purchase on Amazon all of the purchases are [...]

Updated for 2023! Budgeting for the holidays doesn’t have to be as tough as it may feel. Here are the 10 best budgeting tips for the Holidays that I have personally done myself and have learned from others over the years. The sooner the better.  Let's get started: Tip 1: Write it all down! I know this is super simple and you may roll your eyes but it is the truth. Getting organized is the best way to get started. Party Planning. Are you having a party? What supplies do you need? Can you reuse what you already have? How [...]

Medical bills in my mind are some of the most stressful bills to get in the mail.  It can be daunting when a medical bill arrives in the mail.  I’ve written up steps  you should take when you get a medical bill.   When I get a medical bill thoughts that came to my mind include: Is it correct? Do I pay it or does my insurance? Am I responsible for the whole amount? Can I negotiate it down? Has my insurance already paid this? Can I ask my insurance to pay me back? What questions do you have? [...]