We had a garage sale earlier this spring. The sale was more successful than I imagined it would be! We started with a driveway full of furniture items, clothing, toys, housewares, etc. and ended with a single box of items that didn’t sell. We owe a lot of our success to my parents. We strategically planned to have the sale while they … [Read more...] about 11 Tips for a Successful Garage Sale
eliminating debt
How Budgeting Reveals More About Your Heart Than Your Wallet
My husband and I have really pared down our budget in recent months. Since we got married, our goal has been to live completely free of debt (though we are comfortable having a mortgage). Thus far this has remained beyond our reach. We did pretty well during the early years of our marriage. At that time, we had two incomes and no … [Read more...] about How Budgeting Reveals More About Your Heart Than Your Wallet
Christmas in July: How to Pay for Christmas
Most of us find it difficult, if not impossible, to finance Christmas out of December’s paychecks alone. That’s why in today’s installment of Christmas in July we’re going to discuss how to pay for Christmas. The Christmas in July series is all about planning ahead in order to avoid a stressful Christmas season (read more about this … [Read more...] about Christmas in July: How to Pay for Christmas
Clarifying Credit (Part 3)
Over the last two weeks we’ve looked at several basic credit-related topics. Today we’ll take a final look at the finer details of credit by examining what factors influence credit scores and how to build good credit. How different parts of your credit history impact your credit score As noted in a previous post, each of the credit … [Read more...] about Clarifying Credit (Part 3)
Clarifying Credit (Part 2)
Last week we looked at the definition of credit and at reasons to have credit (even for individuals who strive to live debt free). Today we’ll continue our look at the finer details of credit. Requesting a credit report The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act is a federal law that entitles each consumer to one copy of his or her … [Read more...] about Clarifying Credit (Part 2)
Clarifying Credit (Part 1)
Many of you know that my husband and I strive toward debt-free living. We avoid taking on new debt and we work hard to pay off our existing debt, which includes student loans, our mortgage, and a small amount we owe on my husband’s car. Though we’ve gleaned a lot of information about credit throughout our adult years, in examining our finances … [Read more...] about Clarifying Credit (Part 1)
A Paradigm on Debt
I hear a lot about debt these days. Often the context is the national debt or the recent sequestration. The magnitude of these topics provides a momentary distraction from the debt my husband and I face. Since finishing college we’ve both taken steps toward debt-free living, which is an ideal we hold. We’ve diligently avoided credit card debt, … [Read more...] about A Paradigm on Debt
