Financial Goals

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This is definitely a tough topic to tackle. And the reason why is money is a very highly contested and debated issue, but on the same flip of the coin, it is a taboo subject and nobody talks about money. So the question remains is money everything in life.

I am going to be brutally honest in this post and highlight both sides of the coin. The hard part with money is money provides opportunities. Yet, money can also be the root of all evil.

Thus, is life all about making money?

In this post, we are going to outline everything that you would want to know about this topic – is everything about money. The reasons that you should care about money and the reasons that you need to forget about money.

Too many times, you want desperately to care about money. Yet, you are afraid of taking the right steps to get where you want financially. You are trapped in the vicious cycle of making poor decisions.

Everything is About Money

Everything is about money seems appropriate, right?

You roll out of bed each morning to go out and make money. You think about how you should save your money while you’re out buying a coffee or picking up groceries. Then, you began to think… all I do each and every day is go to work, make money, spend my money, rinse, and repeat. Or maybe you are sticking your head into the sand to ignore your financial situation.

Subsequently, you stress about money because there was not enough left over each and every week. Or maybe there’s a tiny bit leftover, but you are still not happy.

It seems like everything is about money. Life revolves around money. Every decision you make involves money.

That right there is the reason that managing money is so difficult for so many different people because you do not understand why money is good and why money is bad.

So, in your head, you must define good and bad.

Then, how money correlates to your belief system about finances, how you interact with money on a daily basis, and your definition of good / bad. This needs to happen to be able to move forward.

If you want to change how you feel about money and interact with it, then you must decide what steps you’re going to take.

Why is Money Everything?

Let’s go back a few 100 years.

In the times, people had to barter to be able to survive. They exchanged goods and services in order to get the things that they needed. They were able to help others with their services and in exchange get the supplies or services they needed in exchange. It was a basic system that worked for survival.

That is how the first marketplace was developed; it was a bartering system. You had to barter to buy and sell things.

As society became more advanced and industrialized, the concept of money came around. Instead of having to barter for goods and services, you were exchanging money for a good or service. That is how you made money and spent money.

Consequentially, at the basic form, money is almost everything because that is the basis of how we are able to survive and do the things that we need to do on a daily basis.

There is no possible way to go through life without money. Period.

Is Money the Only Important Thing in Life?

Honestly, the answer is no.

If you truly believe that money is the only important thing in life, then you need to think about your priorities. Even in the Bible, it states that money can be the root of evil, but that money itself is not bad.

Money can help others that are in need. It can help provide housing for your family and keeps you fed. It can provide a security blanket, aka an emergency fund in times of need.

So money is needed, but it is not the most important thing in life.

There are plenty of other things that are more important. Look around you and count your blessings.

But, you have to remember the bottom line is that money opens up the door for opportunities.

You Should Care About Money & What Money Can Buy

Is life only about money?

In this section, we are going to outline the exact reasons you should care about money.

Money can buy everything! Specifically a whole lot of things; it can buy you a new house, a new car, take you on that vacation, buy the organic food that you want.

Money can buy you absolutely anything!

The problem with money for the general population is that it is finite. You do not have unlimited access to do everything you want with the money. And that can be a very frustrating situation to find yourself in.

That is why you get caught up in this belief system, that nowadays money is everything.

You have to have money to be able to do anything, to go anywhere, or to buy anything.

But the difference and the key you must learn from this post is while money is important, money management is the critical lesson.

You Should Not Care About Money & What Money Cannot Buy

Why it is said that money is not everything in life?

In this section, let’s discuss the exact reasons why you should not care about money.

Money cannot buy you happiness.

Let me repeat that again, money does not equate to being happy.

Money will not change your depression; money will not make your relationships better. There are many things that money can do, but money cannot cover up the deeply hidden wounds and poor decisions that you made previously.

Those are things that money absolutely cannot buy. And that is the reason that most people say money is not everything.

You have to find happiness in other ways that do not involve your finances. You have to find joy in the simple things. You must find gratitude for what you have.

These are all things that a $100,000 check cannot buy you. Only your heart can buy you these things and that takes some deep soul searching in time and investment.

Can you find the things that make you happy? But money cannot be one of them. And that, my friend, is the reason that money is not everything.

Five Steps to Make Money Work For You (Without Controlling You)

As stated earlier, the critical lesson you must walk away from is proper money management.

You must know how to manage your money. So that money can do everything that you want it to do.

Money can provide you with those opportunities.

With poor money management skills, you are absolutely unable to make progress. You won’t be able to take any steps further.

1. Learn about Money

One thing that is not taught in our education system is how to manage money, why it is important to save, and how to stay out of debt. Our society is living paycheck to paycheck because we are not taught anything better.

You must take the time to learn how money works.

That right there is the reason most people fail with money.

Learning how to save or how to pay off your debt will not happen overnight. Most people quit quickly because they want instant success, instant gratification. And with money, it is a long-term game.

The choices that you make starting today will affect your future. The choices you made one year ago, three years ago, or ten years ago are affecting where you are at financially today.

2. Understand the Purpose Of Money

Money is a tool. Money is not an object.

Hence, let me define that a little bit deeper.

Money is a tool to help you accomplish what you want in life, and where you want to go by utilizing money correctly. You are able to reach your financial goals.

Whereas, money is not an object. That means when flashing your cash when out with friends, flashing that brand new car, or buying that house in a dream neighborhood just because you have something to show off.

That is an object. That is not what money is about; you are just showing off. That is when money is everything, specifically your ego. But, it doesn’t have the right meaning of money success.

3. Consequences of Poor Decisions

This is the reason people feel like money is everything. The past decisions that you have made might have cost you money, you may have lost money and you are still paying for those financial hits today.

Consequently, you feel like money is everything to be able to get out of your current situation.

You need more money to be able to advance your financial freedom. You need more money to be able to pay off the debt that you bought into your life.

The desire for more money and everything circles back to the concept of everything is about money.

There are no ways to move forward because your finances are holding you back. If you are stuck in this trap of past poor financial decisions, you have to recognize those mistakes and learn from them.

  • Write down your past mistakes, and list exactly what you have learned from them. Once you’ve done that, you have to let it go and let it be a lesson learned.
  • Focus on positive ways to change your habits.
  • Find a different community or a new group of friends that have the same values around money that you are striving towards. Then, the temptation of poor money decisions slips away with the bad influences.
  • Dedicate time to make your goals and values a priority.

4. Talk About Money

Money is a taboo subject in our society.

Because of that, wealth is not passed down from generation to generation. The older generation was taught that you don’t talk about money, so they’re not going to share the lessons that they learned over time. Yet, how many recipes are family favorites that everyone knows how to make because they’ve been passed down from generation to generation.

That needs to change.

You need to learn to talk about money. And that will help you set you up for money success, because like I said…

Money is a tool that can be talked about money. Objects are just showing off.

Kristy@ Money Bliss

While it can be hard to talk about money for the first time, set up a dedicated time with your spouse, significant other or a friend to just ask some questions and learn their money tips.

Maybe even reach out to your parents and ask, “what was your biggest financial failure? What was your biggest financial success?” Learn from their answers. If that is not an option, find a mentor that you believe has done well financially and ask them about making smart financial decisions in their life.

  • Ask them what they did to get there.
  • Ask what do they see that you are doing wrong, so that you can change today.

By talking about money, you will learn from other’s mistakes without making those same mistakes.

5. Prioritizing Money Is Not Greedy

If you have money, that does not mean you are greedy.

Unfortunately, money and greed are tied together in many ways.

The difference comes into play with how you view money. Is it a tool or an object?

Greedy with money is when money becomes all about you and your wants. You hold onto your money so tight and cannot use money to help others. It is all about money upholding your flashy lifestyle.

When you prioritize money as a tool in order to buy the things that you need in life. That prioritization leads to money success and you are able to open up doors of opportunity.

And that right there can lead to so many wonderful life choices for you.

That does not mean you are greedy about your money, it means you actively choose to prioritize what money can do for you as a tool.

Is It All About Money?

In this post, we discussed so many variables that can impact your money.

Overall, money is a belief system.

  • You can believe that it is a tool to help you succeed.
  • You can believe that it is an object to show off.

And that lies the difference of your perception of money.

Do you perceive whether life is going to be all about money, or are you going to use money as a tool to do things that there is no possible way you could do without that money?

You have to learn to not let money control you and to start controlling your money.

Is money everything or not? I will leave you to come to your personal conclusion.

In this post, we listed why money is a good thing. But, we also listed reasons why money can be evil.

You just have to remember the key to success is money management. In order to do the things that you want in life, you must decide how the income and cash assets will work in your favor.

Now for you, is everything about money or not?

Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!

Did the post resonate with you?

More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!

Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.

Source: moneybliss.org

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Inside: The decision on where you live is a big life choice. Learn how an HCOL vs LCOL area will impact you financially. Plus find the cost of living city that fits for you.

HCOL. LOCL. MCOL. What do these acronyms mean and why should I care?

Back when I was trying to decide where to live, there wasn’t a big discussion about the high cost of living or low cost of living areas.

You just picked a city close to family or branched out to a new area. Were you drawn to the big city or not? Plain and simple.

Today, there are many tools at our disposal to try and figure out what is the best city to live in based on income, expenses, and the lifestyle that you desire.

In this post, you will see how to analyze what type of city you want to live in and see if it makes financial sense for you.

Why such the price difference between HCOL and LCOL?

In a low cost of living city, you can buy a house for $50,000. In contrast, a median home price in a high cost of living city can cost $1.5 million. This is a correlation between supply and demand in the market.

The more people who want to live in a certain area that has less available space will naturally drive up prices. Whereas most low cost of living areas, the supply is abundant since there is plenty of space to spread out and find your own neck of the woods for much less.

Here’s a quick comparison of HCOL vs LCOL vs MCOL.

New York City has the highest cost of living at 100, followed by Los Angeles and San Francisco. This graph highlights the difference in cost of living in these example cities.

HCOL
Seattle, WA		 MCOL
Las Vegas, NV		 LCOL
Knoxville, TN
Cost of Living Index 85.57 69.33 63.26
2 Bed Apartment Rent $2,724 $1,176 $788
Median Home Price $826,200 $441,771 $256,188
Median Income $92,263  $56,354 $33,229
Data from Nerdwallet, Census.Gov, and Numbeo

What is HCOL area Mean?

Simply put, HCOL means a high cost of living.

This type of acronym is to describe certain areas or cities where expenses that impact your budget the most, such as housing, food, and transportation, are more expensive than other areas.

When defining an HCOL area, it is a comparison of the cost of living based on other areas around other cities, states, and countries.

There is no hard line to define high cost of living since it is compared to the other cities.

Is it possible to live in a high cost of living area? Absolutely, it all depends on how you choose to live, the income you make, your lifestyle choices, and your savings percentage.

VHCOL are VERY high cost of living areas, such as Manhattan, Honolulu, San Francisco, Singapore, or Hong Kong.

This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.

Pros and Cons of HCOL

Just because an area is labeled HCOL does not mean that you shouldn’t call the city home and stay away from these areas.

There are plenty of advantages and disadvantages of living in a high cost city.

There are always drawbacks to living in a high cost of living area and you have to decide whether or not what works for you.

In order to make a solid decision on where the best place is for you to live, you need to know this information.

Advantages of HCOL City

  • Job Market is Solid

First of all, in HCOL cities, the job market is stronger, there are more jobs available, and typically those jobs have a higher paying threshold than other areas.

That is why many companies are attracted to these areas because they know the talent pool of potential employees is much stronger in high cost of living area versus other areas where there are not as many skilled workers.

  • Income is Higher

Since companies know they must pay their employees a fair wage living in a high cost of living area, incomes are higher to support the increased expenses.

This helps those municipalities collect more taxes, which feed back into the system to provide more for their residents.

  • More Opportunities

More opportunities abound in a high cost of living cities.

Not only in the job market but there is access to public amenities and conveniences. Some examples include museums, sporting events, transit, best medical services, endless entertainment options, quality restaurants, high-end shopping, and quick access to international airports.

Even better, you can find free entertainment each and every day that does not cost a penny. Here is a list of 101 things to do with no money.

There are many benefits of living in a high cost of living area just because their opportunities are endless. You will always find something to do and there is always stuff going on.

  • Better Schools

Typically, in your high cost of living cities, that is where you will find the better schools. This is in direct correlation to the job market and skilled workers.

These skilled workers tend to have a higher instance of college graduates and they tend to want the best for their children. As a result, the schools tend to be much better than you would find in other areas.

  • Higher Chance of Home Equity

Another advantage of big cities is the variety of neighborhoods you can find in a bigger city. You can find the type of house you want to live in and the diversity you crave.

While home costs are much higher, there is also a greater chance of income increasing your home equity much faster than other areas.

For example, in Michigan, you could pay $100,000 for the exact same house in 5-10 years since appreciation will not happen at the same rate as other cities. Whereas, if you look at some of the hot markets, like Denver, Phoenix, or Austin, the home prices have been skyrocketing.

Thus, if you live in those quickly appreciating housing areas, there is a higher chance to increase the value of your house.

Disadvantages Of HCOL Cities

  • Higher Basic Cost of Living – Specifically Housing

First, housing costs can break the bank. It is the biggest expense for any
household.

If you were unable to secure a salary to justify the housing cost, it makes it nearly impossible to be able to afford to live in a high cost of living area.

This is where you would have to get creative and look for housing subsidies or
other means to stretch your housing budget.

  • Harder to Find Houses

Another con of a high cost of living areas is it is much harder to find housing! House and rent prices are higher, jobs are tougher to find where there’s opportunities abound, and you may feel like you are searching for a needle in a haystack.

You need to have the right opportunity to find the proper house for you. If you are looking at buying, you need things to line up properly and in your favor.

  • Stretch Yourself Too Far Financially

Since incomes tend to be much higher, many people find the urge to spend more discretionary income.

In many cases, this means that the average household may stretch themselves a little bit further by keeping up with the Joneses. They tend to spend more frivolously and not live as frugal.

This is a trap to be aware of if you are in a high cost of living area. You can be savvy with your money and save, but you have to be cognizant of how you spend your hard-earned salary.

HCOL Cities…

These are the HCOL areas. Do you need to avoid them? No, but going into those areas, you must realize the cost of living will be higher.

Here’s a list of all of the cities that are the top 20 cities that are high cost of living areas according to Kiplinger:

1. Manhattan, New York  (145.7% above U.S. average)
2. San Francisco, California (94.7% above U.S. average)
3. Honolulu, Hawaii (97.6% above U.S. average)
4. Brooklyn, New York (80.5% above U.S. average)
5. Washington, D.C. (60.7% above U.S. average)
6. Seattle, Washington (56.7% above U.S. average)
7. Oakland, California (53.9% above U.S. average)
8. Arlington, Virginia (50.5% above U.S. average)
9. Orange County, California (50.2% above U.S. average)
10. Boston, Massachusetts (48.8% above U.S. average)
11. Queens, New York (47.8% above U.S. average)
12. Los Angeles, California (46.6% above U.S. average)
13. Bethesda, Maryland (45.5% above U.S. average)
14. San Diego, California (41.4% above U.S. average)
15. Alexandria, Virginia (40.0% above U.S. average)
16. Stamford, Connecticut (36.4% above U.S. average)
17. Portland, Oregon (34.3% above U.S. average)
18. Fairbanks, Alaska (27.9% above U.S. average)
19. Bergen County & Passaic County, NJ (26.6% above U.S. average)
20. Anchorage, Alaska (24.4% above U.S. average)
Source: Kiplinger

What Is LCOL Area Mean?

LCOL stands for lower cost of living.

These cities have a lower average cost of living versus the average.

Simply put…your ability to stretch your income goes much further in a low cost area compared to a high cost of living area. This is where you can get a bigger bang for your buck.

Pros and Cons of LCOL

The differences in the area where you can live can be vastly different. Thus, providing benefits or drawbacks of choosing to live there.

The cons are typically the reasons that most people want to stay away from these cities.

This is where personal preference tends to play the biggest reason for choosing one location over another.

Just like with a high cost of living area, you need to weigh the pros and cons of
living somewhere where expenses are not quite as high.

Advantages of LCOL –

  • Slower Pace of Life

One of the biggest benefits is a slower pace of living in low cost of living area.

Life doesn’t move as fast.

There is more time to breathe, there is more time to step back and take a bigger picture. It is not go, go, go, go 24/7. Time to enjoy the fresh air and slower pace.

  • Cheaper Housing

This is why people choose to live in a low cost of living area. Period.

You are able to afford much more house for much less.

That right there, over the long term can make or break somebody financially.

  • Lower Taxes

Many of the lower cost of living cities also benefit from lower taxes as well. They have lower income taxes, and even possibly, lower property taxes. So, this is something to take into consideration when looking at a low cost of living area.

Check what the difference would be from where you’re currently at to where you are considering moving.

  • Remote Work

This is the bread and butter spot! When you can take in a higher pay and still live in a LCOL city.

After 2020, remote work is becoming more and more popular. In addition, it is an added benefit companies are including to attract skilled employees.

This is one scenario where you can get the best of both worlds.

Disadvantages Of LCOL Cities

  • Less Opportunities

First of all, there are fewer opportunities. There are fewer things to do, there are less things going on. The airport is a further drive away.

In a big city, you can always find events happening. It may not be the same in other cities. However, some cities have created programs to draw in residents with the big city feel like Bellefontaine, Ohio.

  • Income Potential is Lower

The job market doesn’t have the high-paying jobs that you would find in the bigger cities. The income potential in one of these cities does not compare.

Let’s face it… a good majority of your working years are about built around making an income. With a lower cost of living city, the income limitations can be cumbersome and it takes longer to be able to reach your financial goals.

LCOL States and Countries with LCOL

Geographic arbitrage can give you great value for your money.

Arbitrage is the spread of differing prices for the same thing like rent, food, or transportation.

This means you can save more money by living in LCOL state or spend less of your nest egg by living in a LCOL countries.

These are the areas you can find the lower cost of living. There are many LCOL cities to be found as well.

LCOL States:

1. Mississippi (84.10% of U.S. average)
2. Kansas (86.67% of U.S. average)
3. Oklahoma (88.09% of U.S. average)
4. Alabama (88.80% of U.S. average)
5. Arkansas (89.16% of U.S.average)
6. Georgia (89.30% of U.S. average)
7. Tennessee (89.49% of U.S. average)
8. Missouri (89.75% of U.S. average)
9. Michigan (90.54% of U.S. average)
10. Indiana (90.57% of U.S. average)
Source: US News

LCOL Countries:

Listed in alphabetical order because there are many to chose from based on your personal preferences.

  • Brazil
  • Bulgaria
  • Columbia
  • Ecuador
  • Guatemala
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Mexico
  • Morocco
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • South Africa
  • Thailand
  • Turkey
  • Ukraine
  • Vietnam

Source: https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/country/comparison

What Is MCOL Area Mean?

The definition of MCOL is any area that just has an medium cost of living.

There is not one extreme or another. These cities are just plain average. Maybe slightly above or below the median cost of living.

This can be a sweet spot of reaching your financial goals while enjoying a higher quality of life.

Benefits of MCOL Area

As you can read on Reddit personal finance threads, there are plenty of reasons to live in an MCOL area.

Mostly because these types of cities you can get the best bang for your buck, and still have the pros of living in a high cost of living area, as well as the pros of living in a low cost of living area.

This is where the job market may be very stable with good wages but the cost of living is not going to cost you a fortune.

Also, you can find tons of cities that meet the criteria of a MCOL city.

Cost of Living Varies within Cities

Regardless of whether you choose, HCOL, LCOL, or MCOL areas, the cost of living will be dramatically different between these cities.

Whether you are looking at the downtown area, the outlying suburbs, or maybe even the cities that have popped up around near the main city.

Just because the city is HCOL or LCOL, there will be neighborhoods that will be the outliers to the main part of the city.

So, when you are looking at cost of living, you must know the things that are most important to you and what type of neighborhood that you would want to live in because they can be found.

That is what I call hidden gems.

It is possible to find a cheaper house in a low cost of living or high cost of living area, you just have to do your homework and know what you’re looking for.

Vice versa, it is very possible to find a neighborhood in a low cost of living area that is much higher than the surrounding areas.

How can I buy a house in a high cost of living?

It is possible to be a homeowner in a in a high cost of living area. You just have to be able to afford the down payment on the house to make being a homeowner justifiable, if possible.

Before you decide to buy a house, here are some factors you need to take into consideration..

1. Does it make sense?

First, you have to make sure that it makes logical sense to buy a house. Especially in a high cost of living area because the house prices may not match up to what the income that you are bringing in.

Will you still be able to reach your money goals by purchasing a house? Or will you be house poor?

2. Compare rent to potential mortgage

Will it be cheaper to rent? Or cheaper to have a mortgage?

To figure this out, take what the average rent is in your neighborhood. Then, use a mortgage calculator to figure out the maximum amount you can afford.

Since those calculators will leave you house poor. Decide what you are able to justify in spending on a mortgage and figure out what the mortgage payment is.

Is the mortgage payment less than average rent in the area?

For example, it may cost in a high cost of living area, like San Diego, it may cost $3,000 a month to rent a house. Whereas you might be able to buy a similar home in the same neighborhood and have your mortgage payment of $2,259.

Thus, making buying makes more financial sense than continuing to rent.

3. Expand your horizons

Another tip to afford your dream house – do not be set on that one specific neighborhood in a high cost of living area.

Many times you can find an up-and-coming neighborhood that is much less than the trendier and hip current neighborhoods that you want to live in.

Thus, you can typically save a good chunk of money. Plus in the long run, you greatly increase the potential for home equity.

4. New Homebuyer Programs

If this is the first time you are buying a house, then look into first-time homebuyer programs and grants. (Hint… this is like free money!)

There are many out there because cities want their residents to buy in their neighborhood and their cities because that means they are going to be there for a longer-term.

Also, there are programs for the military, teachers, nurses, single moms, minorities, graduate students. You just have to look.

5. Save for Down Payment

When you are looking at buying a house, this is the time to become serious about saving for a down payment.

You may have to find ways to save more money each month.

This could include things like downsizing your lifestyle to make it possible. Living with friends or family while you save up more money. Or just spending less for a certain period of time until you reach your downpayment goal.

6. House Hacking

The last step is one of the best ways to reach financial independence in a high cost of living city. Plus the concept works well in any city… house hack.

Find a multi-family housing property that you were able to buy. For example, plan to live on one side of the duplex and rent out the other. This will help you pay for your mortgage, by using the rent collected from your renters.

Thus, lowing your overall housing cost, which is your biggest expense.

Where Does Your Income Go the Furthest?

This is a comparison that you may be surprised by the outcome. Thus, proving why you need to do cost comparisons to see what financially makes the most sense when deciding to move from one to the other area.

comparison of income, expenses, taxes, and potential savings!!!!!!!!!!!

Once again, this is personal to your situation. So, take a moment and use the cost of living calculator yourself.

Paying taxes is one option to increase what you take home in each paycheck.

No Income States

These are the states that don’t pay state income taxes on wages:

  • Alaska
  • Florida
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Washington
  • Wyoming

For most people, that is an instant decrease in overall taxes!

Higher Taxed States

Also, if you live in one of the higher taxed states, then you may want to reconsider moving to a lower cost of living area.

The higher taxes income tax states include:

  • California
  • Hawaii
  • New Jersey
  • Oregon
  • Minnesota
  • The District of Columbia
  • New York
  • Vermont
  • Iowa
  • Wisconsin

These states tax income somewhere between 7.65% – 13.3%.

Property Taxes

Property taxes vary from state to state.

In some states with large property taxes, it may even out with no income taxes. While other states, like Illinois, where property taxes are high and income taxes are above the national average as well.

Moving From HCOL to LCOL

The reason that most people move from HCOL to LCOL area is to save money. They want to decrease their expenses – that is the primary driver. Other times, it may be that they’re looking for a different type of lifestyle.

But as you can read on Reddit, everybody has a different personal experience.

It may have been beneficial and may have been bad timing. It may have been the best choice. It may have been the worst decision.

Make sure to factor in the costs associated with the move. Also, any ongoing expenses like travel if you are moving away from family.

How to Choose HCOL or LCOL?

Deciding where you live is one of the most personal decisions that you can make. Nobody can make it for you. You know what you want in life, how you want to live, and where you would feel more comfortable.

So, let’s look primarily at the financial side of making this decision of what is best.

1. Lifestyle You Desire

There are massive differences between HCOL and LCOL cities!! In big cities, life moves at a faster pace. While most cheaper cities areas move at a slower pace, so you have to make the decision of what type of lifestyle.

Do you want you want the big city? Do you want suburbia? Or do you prefer more of a country lifestyle?

When looking at this first factor, your answer should not include money. This is where your heart is. This is where your home. This is the life that you plan on living. This doesn’t include the financial sense.

This includes what makes your heart happy.

2. Your Money Goals

One of the things that discussed the most on this site is the 10 Money Bliss Steps to Financial Freedom. That is where most of our readers find their current money goal. And for good reason, you must build a strong foundation with money one step at a time.

In order to achieve long term financial success, the decision on housing is critical as it is the biggest expense in any budget. And that is can have the greatest impact on your budget!

On the flip side, the amount of income you are capable of making can also make the biggest impact on what you can afford to spend.

You must decide on your current money goal as well as the longer term money vision. Maybe you are looking at wanting to retire early? Love to live a slower life in the future?

It is possible to live in HCOL area where you are able to live extremely frugally and save more money. This is what my friend did over at Tuppennys FIREplace. For them, it was a smarter decision. On the flip side, maybe you are happier living a slower pace of life. Income is not the primary driver and you just want to enjoy life more.

At the end of the day, you must prioritize what you want, how your budget and your expenses correlate, and how your saving rate is impacted in various cities.

3. Season of Life

For those in their younger years may not understand this as much, but as you go through seasons of life, you will realize that you have different goals, objectives, and desires along the way.

When deciding where to live, your current season of life will probably have a very high impact on what you are looking for.

If you have young kids, you probably want to find a neighborhood where you have other families nearby that your kids can interact with.

If you are close to retirement, you may look decide to move out of the good school district because you do not need to pay the premium of living here. You may choose to move to a lower cost of living area, so you have the freedom to travel and help my kids and grandkids.

4. Potential Income & Career Opportunities

The greatest benefit of a high cost of living area is the income potential and the career opportunities. Both are much greater in the bigger cities than you would find in the smaller cities.

If your primary goal is increasing your income and advancing your career, then looking at high cost of living areas an absolute must. Plus you might be able to find something on the outskirts of expensive neighborhoods, that would make the most financial sense.

Then, living in HCOL is justified and necessary and the income can justify the higher costs associated.

On the flip side, there is plenty of income potential as a small business owner in a low cost of living area. You just have to know the market, what your skills are in, and what the needs are in your area.

4. Fixed Expenses

Fixed expenses can be dramatically different in each area.

Write out a list of your top fixed expenses and make sure to compare those as well.

For example, child care costs and tuition are going to be much more expensive in a big city than in the suburbs. Maybe in certain neighborhoods, a car would not be needed; thus, eliminating another big cost and associated maintenance.

While some fixed expenses seem meniscal, over time, they can add up significantly. Thus, helping or hurting your financial picture.

Unspoken Price Tag to Live Somewhere

As we covered in this post, there is a lot to consider when deciding between HCOL, LCOL, or MCOL areas.

It is a highly personal decision that you must take the time to make the best decision for you!

Not someone else, but for you.

One thing to watch out for when looking at where to live is what I call the “price tag” of a beautiful city.

Many times, employers know that the city that people want to live in their city for whatever reason. Thus, you will experience what I like to call the “income hit” to living there.

For example, Fort Collins, Boulder, and Austin are highly desirable areas for postgraduates to live in because they fall in love with the town and they want to stay here for the long term. Thus, employers know that this!

As a result, income for jobs maybe 10 to 15% less than they could make in any other type of market or city. So, that is something just to be aware of when wanting to stay in the city that they have grown to love.

In conclusion, when you’re looking at a high cost of living area versus a low cost of living area, there are two sides to the coin.

One – what makes financial sense. Two – your home is where your heart is.

Consequently, you have to make the decision on what makes sense for you.

While it makes financial sense to move to a lower cost city, at the same time, it may move you away from your family and your support system, and everything that you enjoy, and you may not be as happy in the long run.

Enjoy weighing the alternatives between all of the options available.

Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!

Did the post resonate with you?

More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!

Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.

Source: moneybliss.org

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Refinancing a mortgage is a decision that can have a significant impact on your financial journey. It’s a process where you replace your existing mortgage with a new one, often with different terms and interest rates.

This move can potentially save you money, adjust your payment schedule, or allow you to tap into your home’s equity. However, it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. Refinancing comes with its own set of closing costs and considerations that need careful evaluation.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of mortgage refinancing. We’ll explore the reasons why refinancing might be a good idea, the different types of refinancing options available, and, importantly, the closing costs associated with the process.

Whether you’re looking to lower your monthly payment, change your mortgage type, or access some cash, it’s essential to understand the nuts and bolts of refinancing. We aim to provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to make an informed decision about whether refinancing your mortgage aligns with your financial goals.

Why refinance a mortgage?

Homeowners might consider refinancing their mortgage for various compelling reasons. Each situation is unique, but there are a few common motivators that lead many to explore the refinancing path. Understanding these reasons can help you assess whether refinancing aligns with your financial objectives.

  • Lower interest rates: Perhaps the most straightforward reason to refinance is to take advantage of lower interest rates. When interest rates drop, refinancing can lead to significant savings, both in terms of monthly payments and the total interest paid over the life of the loan.
  • Switch from ARM to fixed-rate mortgage: If you currently have an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM), you might face uncertainty regarding future payment amounts. Refinancing to a Fixed-Rate Mortgage locks in a consistent interest rate, bringing stability and predictability to your payments.
  • Cashing out equity: For homeowners who have built up substantial equity in their homes, a cash-out refinance can be a way to access that capital. This option allows you to borrow more than what you owe on your current mortgage and use the difference for other financial needs, such as home improvements, debt consolidation, or education expenses.
  • Altering loan terms: Some homeowners might refinance to change the terms of their loan. Whether it’s extending the loan duration to lower monthly payments or shortening it to pay off the mortgage faster, refinancing can adjust the loan to better fit current financial situations and goals.
  • Debt consolidation: Refinancing can also be a strategic move to consolidate debt. By rolling high-interest debts into a mortgage with a lower rate, you can simplify your finances and potentially reduce overall monthly expenses.
  • Eliminating private mortgage insurance (PMI): If your home value has increased, refinancing might allow you to drop PMI, which is typically required when your down payment is less than 20% of the home’s value. This can lead to substantial savings over time.

Each of these reasons reflects a different financial need or goal. Refinancing a mortgage can be a powerful tool, but it’s essential to weigh the benefits against the costs and long-term implications. The right choice depends on your personal circumstances and financial objectives.

Types of Refinancing Options

Refinancing your mortgage isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. There are several types of refinancing options available, each with its own set of features, benefits, and drawbacks. Understanding these can help you determine which option best suits your financial needs and goals.

Cash-Out Refinance

A cash-out refinance allows you to replace your existing mortgage with a new loan for more than you owe on your home. The difference is paid to you in cash, which can be used for various purposes like home renovations, debt consolidation, or other financial needs.

Pros:

  • Access to cash for large expenses.
  • Potential to secure a lower interest rate than your current mortgage.
  • Consolidates debt into a single payment, often at a lower rate.

Cons:

  • Increases the amount you owe, potentially extending the time to pay off your mortgage.
  • Can lead to higher interest costs over the life of the loan.
  • Requires sufficient home equity to qualify.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A HELOC is a revolving line of credit that lets you borrow against the equity in your home. It works similarly to a credit card, where you can draw funds as needed and pay them back over time.

Pros:

  • Flexible access to funds; borrow as much or as little as needed.
  • Only pay interest on the amount you draw.
  • Can be a lower-cost option for accessing home equity.

Cons:

  • Variable interest rates can increase over time.
  • Temptation to overspend due to easy access to funds.
  • Could put your home at risk if you cannot repay the borrowed amount.

ARM to Fixed-Rate Mortgage Refinance

This type of refinancing involves switching from an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) to a fixed-rate mortgage. It offers a stable interest rate and a predictable monthly mortgage payment for the life of the loan.

Pros:

  • Stability and predictability in monthly payments.
  • Protection against rising interest rates in the future.
  • Easier budgeting and financial planning.

Cons:

  • May come with a higher interest rate than the initial rate of an ARM.
  • Closing costs and refinance fees.
  • Fixed-rate might be higher than current ARM rates if interest rates are rising.

Each refinancing option serves different financial scenarios and objectives. So, analyze your financial situation, consider the long-term implications, and perhaps talk to a financial advisor to choose the most appropriate path for your needs.

Understanding Mortgage Refinance Closing Costs

When considering refinancing your mortgage, be aware of the various fees and costs involved. Each of these costs plays a role in the overall financial equation of refinancing, and they can vary significantly based on your lender, loan terms, and even geographic location.

As a general rule of thumb, expect to pay around 2% – 6% of your loan balance in closing costs. This percentage can give you a ballpark figure to start with when estimating the expenses involved in your refinancing process.

Application Fee

This is a charge by the lender for processing your new mortgage application. It generally ranges from $75 to $300 and covers the cost of credit checks and administrative expenses.

Loan Origination Fee

Often the most significant cost, the origination fee, is charged by the lender for evaluating and preparing your mortgage loan. It’s typically calculated as a percentage of the loan amount (ranging from 0% to 1.5%). This fee can vary greatly among lenders, so it’s wise to compare offers.

Points

Points, also known as discount points, are optional fees paid at closing to reduce your interest rate. Each point is typically equal to 1% of the loan amount. While this can save you money over the life of the loan, it increases your upfront costs.

Appraisal Fee

This fee, ranging from $300 to $700, pays for a professional appraisal of your home to assess its current value. Lenders require this to ensure the loan amount is not more than the home’s worth.

Inspection Fee

Ranging between $175 to $350, this fee covers the cost of a professional inspection of the property to identify any structural or mechanical issues.

Attorney Review/Closing Fee

This fee, usually between $500 to $1,000, is for the services of an attorney or a title company during the closing process to ensure all legal documents are correct and in order.

Homeowner’s Insurance

If you’re not already insured, or if additional coverage is needed, this cost can range from $300 to $1,000. It ensures the property is insured before the lender approves the refinancing.

FHA, VA, or Private Mortgage Insurance Fees

For certain loan types, like FHA or VA loans, there are specific fees or insurance premiums. For example, FHA loans include a 1.5% upfront fee and a yearly premium. VA loans have a funding fee that varies based on the loan type and down payment.

Title Search and Title Insurance

Costing between $700 to $900, this covers the title search and insurance, ensuring there are no liens or problems with the ownership of the property.

Survey Fee

If required, this fee ranges from $150 to $400 and pays for a survey to confirm the property’s boundaries and structure.

Prepayment Penalty

Not all loans have this, but some might charge a prepayment penalty for paying off your current mortgage early. This could range from one to six months of interest payments.

Each of these fees contributes to the total cost of refinancing your mortgage. To get a clear picture of how much refinancing will cost you, it’s important to obtain detailed estimates from potential lenders and consider how these costs weigh against the potential savings or benefits of refinancing.

State and Lender Variability in Closing Costs

The closing costs associated with refinancing a mortgage can vary significantly depending on your location (state) and the lender you choose. This variability is influenced by local regulations, market conditions, and individual lender practices.

  • By state: Different states have varying regulations and fees, which can affect the overall closing costs. For instance, states with higher real estate values or specific local taxes and fees might have higher refinancing costs.
  • By lender: Lenders have different pricing models. Some may offer lower interest rates but charge higher closing costs, while others might have higher rates but lower upfront fees or offer to waive certain charges.

Real-Life Examples and Case Studies

To better understand the impact of refinancing, let’s explore a few real-life scenarios. These examples will highlight how different refinancing options can play out financially.

Scenario 1: Lowering Interest Rates

John and Sarah’s Story:

  • Original mortgage: $200,000 at 5% interest, 30-year term.
  • Refinanced mortgage: $200,000 at 3.5% interest, 30-year term.
  • Outcome: By refinancing to a lower interest rate, they reduced their monthly payment and will save $55,000 in interest over the life of the loan.

Scenario 2: Switching from ARM to Fixed-Rate

The Smiths’ Experience:

  • Original mortgage: $250,000 5/1 ARM starting at 3%.
  • Refinanced mortgage: $250,000 30-year fixed at 4%.
  • Outcome: Although they faced a higher interest rate initially, the Smiths secured predictable monthly payments, protecting them from potential rate increases in the future.

Scenario 3: Cashing Out Equity for Home Improvements

Alex’s Decision:

  • Original mortgage: $150,000 remaining on a home valued at $300,000.
  • Refinanced mortgage: $200,000 with cash-out of $50,000.
  • Use of funds: Alex used the $50,000 to renovate the kitchen and bathrooms, increasing the home’s value.

These examples illustrate how refinancing can serve different needs, from reducing payments to accessing equity. The right choice depends on personal financial situations and long-term goals.

The Impact of Credit Score on a Mortgage Refinance

Your credit score plays a major role in refinancing. It affects not only your ability to qualify for refinancing, but also the interest rates you’ll be offered.

How Credit Scores Affect Refinancing:

  • Higher scores, lower rates: The higher your credit score, the lower the interest rates lenders are likely to offer. A strong credit score signals lower risk to lenders.
  • Qualification thresholds: Some refinancing options have minimum credit score requirements. Falling below these can limit your options or result in higher interest rates.

Tips for Improving Credit Scores Before Refinancing:

  1. Check your credit report: Obtain a free report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to check for errors or inaccuracies.
  2. Pay down debts: Lowering your overall debt can improve your credit utilization ratio, a key factor in credit scores.
  3. Make timely payments: Ensure all your bills and existing loan payments are up-to-date. Late payments can significantly harm your credit score.
  4. Limit new credit applications: Each new application can cause a small, temporary dip in your credit score.
  5. Address delinquencies: If you have any delinquencies or collections, try to resolve them. These have a major negative impact on your score.

By understanding and improving your credit score, you can position yourself for better refinancing options and terms. Remember, refinancing is a tool that, when used wisely, can align with and enhance your financial strategy.

The Refinancing Process

Refinancing a mortgage involves several steps. Here’s a general outline of the process:

  1. Assess your financial situation: Start by reviewing your current mortgage, home equity, credit score, and overall financial goals to determine if refinancing is a beneficial move for you.
  1. Gather necessary documents: Prepare important documents such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and details of your current mortgage.
  2. Shop around for lenders: Research various lenders to compare interest rates, fees, and terms. Don’t limit your search to just your current lender; consider banks, credit unions, and online lenders.
  3. Get a credit check: Lenders will review your credit history and score. Remember, your credit score can significantly impact the interest rate offered.
  4. Apply for refinancing: Once you’ve chosen a lender, complete their application process. This will typically involve submitting your financial documents and possibly paying an application fee.
  5. Lock in your interest rate: When you receive a favorable interest rate, consider locking it in to protect against market fluctuations during the processing of your refinance.
  6. Home appraisal: Most lenders will require a home appraisal to determine the current value of your property.
  7. Underwriting: The lender will review your application, financial documents, and home appraisal to make a final decision on your loan approval.
  8. Closing: If approved, you’ll proceed to closing, where you’ll sign the new mortgage agreement. This will involve paying closing costs and any other fees.
  9. Settle old mortgage: Your new lender will use the funds from the refinance to pay off your existing mortgage.
  10. Begin new mortgage payments: Once the refinance is complete, you’ll start making payments on your new mortgage according to the agreed terms.

Remember, the refinancing process can vary in length and complexity based on individual circumstances and the lender’s requirements. It’s important to ask questions and understand each step to make informed decisions throughout the process.

Conclusion

The decision to refinance your mortgage is significant and multifaceted. It’s essential to weigh the potential benefits, such as lower interest rates or altered loan terms, against the costs and implications that come with refinancing. Each homeowner’s situation is unique, and what may be advantageous for one may not be the best choice for another.

Understanding the impact of your credit score on refinancing options, the variability in closing costs by state and lender, and the specific steps involved in the refinancing process are key to making the right decision. Remember, refinancing is more than just securing a lower interest rate; it’s about aligning the decision with your overall financial goals and long-term plans.

Before taking the leap, consider all these factors carefully. Consulting with financial advisors or mortgage specialists can provide additional clarity and guidance tailored to your personal circumstances. Refinancing can be a powerful financial move when done for the right reasons and under the right conditions, but you must take the time to fully understand and prepare.

Source: crediful.com

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For many people, budgeting can be really tedious, and feel like it traps their freedom and spirit. While there are plenty of advantages of budgeting, it is nice to have one area of free-spending with money.

That is where a slush fund comes in.

A place to spend money with freedom and not worry about ruining your budget and the inability of not being able to reach your money goals.

When you work hard for your money, it is hard to be disciplined with your money every single step of the way.

You want to reward yourself and treat yourself! Specifically with no questions asked.

That is where the slush fund comes into play.

What is a Slush Fund?

The definition of slush money or pocket money is simple – money set aside to spend as you see fit.

A reserve of money set aside for an unknown and undetermined purpose.

Everyone will have their own meaning for their personal slush fund. That is because we all have ways we want to spend our little reserve of fun money.

And this one thing can save a marriage and many, many arguments!

Slush Fund Examples

Each person will have their own purposes for spending their fun money. Here are some slush fund examples:

  • Spa Treatments
  • Car Accessories
  • Lunch Dates
  • Helping others
  • Music or cable subscription
  • Golf outings
  • Happy hour fun
  • Crafting

Honestly, the best slush fund example is something both people do not want to include in their budget. It could be something they do not agree with, or the cost, or the need.

Did you know all of the names for the slush fund?!?! Call it what you want… the purpose is still the same:

  • Pocket Money
  • Spending Cash
  • Pocket Change
  • Allowance
  • Petty Cash
  • Kitty Fund
  • Chump change

Just pick your favorite name for it and understand it is money set aside to spend how you choose.

Regardless of what you call slush fund money, one meaning holds true.

It is a small amount of money earmarked for one person to spend as they choose.

How to Create a Slush Fund?

These are the four rules of slush fund money. It is not hard or difficult to create a slush fund.

You just need to decide in advance how a few line items we will cover shortly.

Nothing complicated. Pretty simple. You just need to follow them.

1. Agree on amount Given to Slush Fund

Every month or week a predetermined amount is given out for each person’s slush money. Remember, the slush fund meaning is their reserve of cash to spend or save as they deem fit.

In the Money Bliss Cents Plan, there are 3 lines dedicated to Slush Fund Money – His, Hers, and Kids.

Slush fund money is just as important for adults – probably more important than any age group.

Everyone in the household can have a little chump change to spend as they see fit. So many times, we hear of using pocket money for kids. However, very few people use it as adults.

2. Fun Spending Your Way – No Questions Asked

The biggest ground rule is no questions can be asked about how or why you spent your slush fund money in this or that way. Period.

Don’t test the boundaries. Respect the rule of no questions asked.

It is hard for a couple not to argue on every single line when they make a budget. So, agree on a slush fund amount and stop pestering the other party on how they spend their money.

3. Cash Only (Or Seperate Cashless Account)

Spending must be in cash. And cash only. At the very minimum, that chump change account is only used for your fun spending.

The temptation to overspend is way too great especially when it is spent on ourselves. Staying away from credit cards is necessary. Especially because it helps with #2 rule of no questions asked.

Here are great options to help you succeed:

4. No Judging

Human nature is quick to judge. Someone spent their money in a way you don’t agree with and you want to speak up to say something.

Not up to you to judge.

Slush money is meant for whatever you want to spend money on. This is not the time or place to be judging how to spend under $20-100 per month.

Plus – Don’t Be an Idiot

This isn’t the time or place to be sneaking behind your significant other’s back. If you are unable to honestly say how you spent the money, then you are on a slippery slope.

Honest and open communication is the key to success.

This isn’t an opportunity to start hiding your actions.

Bonus Tip for Kids –

***A side note on the Kid’s Slush Fund Money…this is how we introduce paying commissions to our kids for jobs done around the house.

That in itself is another post for another day. But, the same rule holds true, we can’t judge how they use their “spend” money.

Advantages of Slush Fund Money

There are many benefits of using a slush account when you are budgeting money. This is especially true at the beginning of your proper money management and budget journey.

You need freedom in your life if not you will be so constricted that you will not meet the smart financial goals you planned for yourself.

1. Agreed Upon Amount

First of all, the amount of money designated to each person’s slush fund money is set at the beginning of the month (or week). Everyone agreed to the budget, so no changing money in the funds.

Sit down and discuss what amount is doable based on your situation. This is based on your budget.

The key is to stick to the agreed amount of money. Use cash to stick to the agreed-upon amount.

2. No Arguments

Remember, no questions can be asked!

No judgments can be made!

A very simple way to steer clear of arguing. One person spends their money before the first week of the month is up – more power to them! Another person saves their slush fund money for a bigger purchase – high five!

There are bigger things to discuss in the journey to financial freedom than how someone spends their slush money.

Pick your battles.

Money is one of the leading causes of divorce. Save your marriage and use a slush fund account. That right there is one of the huge advantages of pocket money.

Related Post: How to Talk about Money with your Spouse

3. Breath of Fresh Air / Freedom

Many people find living in a budget or Cents Plan very constricting and overbearing.

This is why slush fund money is SO very important. It provides a breath of fresh air. A moment to spend money and not worry about the money spent.

Freedom to savor life’s little moments. Enjoy!

Especially if you are struggling to make ends meet, this is a big advantage of pocket money.

4. No Guilt

The last advantage of slush money is not carrying guilt. Regardless of how an adult decides to spend their pocket money, there is no guilty feeling about buying x, y, or z.

Remember rule #3 – no judging, you are free to purchase whatever your heart desires and not be overwhelmed by guilt.

Disadvantage of Slush Fund Money

After listing out all of the advantages of pocket money, you may be thinking there have to be disadvantages, right?

Honestly, the only disadvantage is it is one more category to track and separate out money.

However, that is menial given the advantages of slush money.

Related Post: Complete Guide to Sinking Funds; Why They are So Important?

Ready for Your Slush Account?

This is a key point to remember…

Regardless of where you are on your journey to Financial Freedom, slush fund money is utterly important.

The key to money is to build a strong foundation. That includes how you spend money, how you save money, and how you discuss money.

Even if you start at $5 or $10, you will begin to reap the benefits and advantages of pocket money. The small amount of money will change your perspective and how you relate to money.

As you get further in your journey, you can increase your slush amount to $100+ of fun money!

Just remember the rules of slush fund money in order to see the advantages in your household!

Further reading:

From all of the free and paid budgeting apps, here are our top budgeting apps to check out!

This section may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. Please read the full disclosure below.

Empower Personal Wealth, LLC (“EPW”) compensates Money Bliss  for new leads. Money Bliss  is not an investment client of Personal Capital Advisors Corporation or Empower Advisory Group, LLC.

Personal finance and money management software allows you to manage spending, create monthly budgets, track investments, retirement and more.

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Change your relationship with money!

Personal Capital is wealth management for the Internet Age. The online platform combines digital technology with highly personalized service to provide a holistic view of a unique financial picture (AKA your net worth). 

Make sure to connect all of your accounts within 7 days to set up your Personal Financial dashboard.

Tiller is the only tool that automatically updates Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel with your spending, transactions, and balances each day. 

Start your free trial.

Automate your financial plan with set-and-forget money tools that fit right into your daily life.

That’s why Qapital puts your goals front and center, then helps you plan your spending, saving, and investing around them.

Manage your money less in 5 minutes each week. Reach your money goals with confidence! The personal finance app gives you something to look forward to. 

“The easiest, most comprehensive way to both see where your money is going and plan for future expenses.”

Your automated financial assistant and budget tracker are designed to put you back in control of your money.

Stay on top of your spending, easily track bills, cancel unwanted subscriptions, and find ways to improve! 

Photo Credit:
moneybliss.org

HoneyMoney increases your awareness about your money habits. Being fully aware of your money naturally changes how you spend it.

Great way to use cash flow budgeting. Plus uses “envelopes” to budget.

Start your free trial.

Moneyspire is user-friendly personal finance and small business accounting software that brings your entire finances together in one place.

Have total control over your financial life in one click.

Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!

Did the post resonate with you?

More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!

Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.

Source: moneybliss.org