Many people struggle with personal finance. Because not enough schools teach personal finance, most of us learn by trial and error.   Understanding the most common personal finance issues and how to fix them can help improve your financial standing. Taking action now impacts your financial position in later years.   The following are common personal finance issues and how to resolve them.   Lack of a Spending Plan A spending plan  is a guide for where you want your money to g

Financial literacy is essential for lifelong success. Understanding how money works increases the likelihood of achieving your financial goals.   Now is the time to begin establishing good money habits. Educating yourself in the following areas helps you make effective financial decisions and attain your objectives: Banking Budgeting Saving Using credit Creating good debt Investing       What Is Financial Literacy? Financial literacy is the ability to understand and apply div

If most of your paycheck is gone within days of being deposited into your account, you’re not alone. Many people at all income levels are living paycheck to paycheck. Even with a steady full-time job, increasing expenses and debt can make getting ahead difficult.   Fortunately, making small changes can help create financial security. Adjusting your spending habits, building an emergency fund, and managing debt can stop you from living paycheck to paycheck. These steps can hel

Like most people, you might struggle with money. Because personal finance was not taught in schools until recently, most people lack an understanding of money and how it works.   I learned about money and financial planning while working as a licensed financial coach. Fortunately, you can improve your personal finance skills without working in the industry. The following strategies can help.   Develop a Spending Plan Your spending plan  directs where your monthly income goes,

Getting out of debt when you have a low income can be difficult. You might feel like you’re not making any progress, no matter how hard you try.   Although it can take time to become debt-free, you can take steps to achieve your goal. The following strategies can help.   Write Down Your Debts Make a list of your debts , including the following information for each: Current balance Monthly payment Interest rate Remaining loan repayment term   The details of your debt load help

Many people are paying more attention to their personal finances at the start of 2026. They want to increase their savings, pay off their debt, and improve their financial picture.   Understanding which personal finance activities to focus on helps narrow down what you spend your time and energy doing. Starting with one area and working your way to other areas can make a substantial difference in your net worth. The following guidelines can help.   Setting Financial Goals Dev

One of my goals for 2026 is to increase my net worth. Setting strong objectives and breaking them down into actionable steps helps attain them.   If your goals for 2026 include paying down debt, increasing your savings, and enhancing your financial position, take action today. Establishing small money habits now can have a significant impact over time. The following tips can help.   Develop Your Spending Plan A spending plan allows you to track where your money should go thr

Happy 2026! The new year is an ideal time to improve your money habits.   We all could do better financially. Taking small steps makes a significant difference. The following guidelines can help.   1. Understand Your Financial Picture Know exactly how much money is coming in monthly and where it’s being spent: Determine your monthly take-home pay. Figure out how much you spend on living expenses, such as your mortgage or rent, insurance , utilities, groceries, transportation

The holiday season is a magical time with family, friends, and festivities. However, when the celebrations are over, you might realize they took a toll on your wallet.   Overspending on presents, traveling to visit family, and hosting dinners can contribute to a post-holiday financial hangover. However, you can take steps to recover from this slump and get back on track with your financial goals.   The following tips can help boost your post-holiday savings.   Evaluate Your H

Financial stability is important for everyone. Having adequate income to cover expenses, save for emergencies, and invest for future...

My former husband and I were deeply in debt during our marriage. We had three condos with mortgages, two car payments, and significant...

Personal finance was not a subject taught in the schools I attended. Perhaps you had a similar experience and are struggling...