Articles by Jill


8 Ways to Fix Holiday Spending Problems

Posted by Jill on December 13, 2010

I recently wrote about 6 ways to change the impact that food has on your budget. It was one of my most popular posts ever! It seems that there are several very common reasons for spending more than necessary on food – but lots of people were able to suggest ways to tackle and reduce […]

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4 Black Friday Spending Traps to Avoid

Posted by Jill on November 23, 2010

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. For some that means the four “Fs:” family, friends, food and football (maybe that last one is only in Texas). For others, it just means the day before the big S: shopping! Or maybe the other big S: sale. It is easy to get excited about Black Friday sales, […]

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What to Watch for During Open Enrollment 2010

Posted by Jill on November 15, 2010

November brings Open Enrollment for many people. Open Enrollment is the time of the year when you can add or change benefits offered through your employer. For many people, the most significant part of this process is selecting a health insurance plan. Remember that due to the Healthcare Reform Bill, your benefits selections might need […]

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Student Loans: The Effect of Extra Payments

Posted by Jill on November 9, 2010

Today we’re wrapping up our Student Loan series with a look at exactly how much of a difference a few extra payments can make! For many people, large amounts of student loan debt are the only thing standing in the way of being debt-free. Even if you choose the standard repayment option on a small-dollar […]

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Student Loans: Consolidation

Posted by Jill on November 2, 2010

Student Loan Consolidation is the third post in our Student Loan series. Make sure to check out previous articles on student loan basics and repayment options! After graduation, you might want to consolidate your loans. Consolidation refers to the act of taking out one loan equal to the sum of all your loans (since you […]

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Student Loans: Repayment Options

Posted by Jill on October 26, 2010

This is the second in a series on student loans. Be sure to check out our previous post on the basics of student loans! After graduation, you typically have a 6 month grace period before loan payments are due. Interest does accrue during this period, so if you are a position to make payments earlier […]

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Do You Save First or Spend First?

Posted by Jill on October 21, 2010

I asked recently whether you thought a financial fast was right for you. I’ve definitely come to the conclusion that it’s not for me. But as I try to work out my financial goals going forward, I’m trying to figure out exactly what is right for me long-term. Each time I get a paycheck, should […]

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Student Loans: The Basics

Posted by Jill on October 19, 2010

This is the first in a series of posts on student loans. Be sure to check out upcoming posts on repayment options, consolidation, and the effects of extra payments. College costs are increasing at over twice the rate of inflation. At the same time, rising unemployment and falling stock prices could make it difficult for […]

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6 Ways to Change the Impact of Food on your Budget

Posted by Jill on October 6, 2010

A friend sent me an email that said, “I use Mint.com and see that food is a big portion of my monthly spending. How do I fix it?” He proceeded to list six ways that food affects his budget. While food does have a rather large impact on almost any budget, it doesn’t have to […]

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7 Frugal Moving Tips

Posted by Jill on September 29, 2010

I just moved into a new, much smaller apartment and learned some major lessons about what (not) to do! My move was extra hectic thanks to three trips in the three weeks leading up to the big move…including one that ended less than 72 hours before my movers arrived! I’m passing some of my hardest-learned […]

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