Here are ways to avoid stressing about money and finances:

1. Follow the money
2. Know what you owe
3. Set attainable money goals
4. Celebrate every victory
5. Create a few long-range goals
6. Get an app for that
7. Seek answers to your questions

https://www.moneytalksnews.com/stresssing-over-money-heres-how-to-stop/

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If you want all three (free) credit reports from:

1. Transunion
2. Experion
3. Equifax

visit: www.annualcreditreport.com

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The Dollar Store has loads of things you can buy at a bargain and will save you money all year round. I have tried many of these items myself:

1. Greeting cards
2. Party supplies
3. Notebooks
4. Gift bags, boxes, wrapping paper, and balloons
5. storage containers
6. Seasonal decor
7. Reading glasses
8. Hair accessories
9. Pregnancy tests
10. Tote bags
11. Visit: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/slideshows/21-things-you-should-always-buy-at-a-dollar-store/

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Centuries ago if you didn’t pay your debts, you were sent to debtors prison. In 1833, debtors prison was outlawed in the United States. Recently, nineteen states have passed laws to suspend professional licenses of teachers, therapists, nurses, lawyers, firefighters, psychologists, barbers, and real estate brokers etc. Subsequently, when the professional or drivers licenses are suspended, it is impossible to work or drive. Senator Rubio of Florida and Senator Warren of Massachusetts have sought to pass laws to overturn these laws. Hawaii and Iowa have not enforced their laws. Tennessee and Georgia have. As debt levels rise, creditors are taking increasingly tough actions to chase people who fall behind on student loans. Going after professional licenses stands out as especially punitive. In extreme cases, you can file bankruptcy on student loans. If you are unable to repay your student debt, take action today by contacting your creditor and arrange to have your payments reduced if necessary or seek assistance from legal counsel. Student loans cannot be forgiven if you have a history of not making payment or making late payments.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/18/business/student-loans-licenses.html

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July is a great time for a summer vacation. However, you need to decide if you will go away for a weekend, a week, or stay at home to rest and save money at the same time. Traveling out of town on vacation takes planning ahead to save. A weekend may be better depending where you travel to and how much you spend. Staying home and taking day trips may be the best to save on hotel costs. Decide what your budget is going to be and then select what you are going to do. There are great internet deals and local attractions as well. Enjoy!

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The 4th of July summer sales are a few days away. Consider purchasing summer clothes, lawn furniture, or other summer items that may be discounted at 50% or higher. Try to focus on the items that you need most for your home without over spending. Summer is also a great time to have a neighborhood yard sale to eliminate the items you no longer need. Set prices to sell quickly to get rid of them. Summer is a great time to clear items in your garage by selling them or donating the items. Donations can give you a great tax write-off that will reduce your taxable income next year. Considering taking the money from your yard sale to build your emergency savings account.

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Six things you need to stop buying to save real money. Small savings goes a long way. You may save a few hundred dollars each month. Here are a few items to stop buying:

1. Alcohol
2. Subscriptions
3. Gym membership
4. Phone plans
5. Beauty products
6. Casual meals out

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Do you have enough or too much insurance coverage? Contact your insurance carrier to have an assessment of your current insurance needs. Also, you can get price quotes from several insurance companies to compare coverage and prices. Comparing prices every few years can help you save money and make the necessary adjustments. If you have a new addition to the family, or a new expense such as a teen driver that needs to be added to your policy a price quote is beneficial. Today, there is insurance for almost everything you can think of and often families are under insured. Let your insurer know if you have a college student who will be driving out of state or driving someone else’s vehicle. Know what your liability is if  your student driver drives someone else’s vehicle (car or motorcycle). Recent weather storms have shed light on flood insurance, which can only be purchased through the federal government. Stay informed. You can gain basic knowledge on the internet. More specific information should come from your insurance company.

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A recent study says, that younger expect to receive an inheritance from parent, grandparents, or another family member. If the family has discussed this a fact, do not rely on your inheritance as a means to living well since you may not receive the amount the you were promised for a variety of reasons. If you do receive an inheritance, consider focusing on building your retirement and emergency savings accounts. This would be the best way to ensure the funds last longer. Avoid needlessly spending your inheritance that will place your spending habits into a downward spiral Whether you earn the money or someone else does, spending wisely is always the best approach. Consider spending one third, saving one third, and paying a debt with one third. Plan ahead to make sure your have examined all options for the inheritance you will receive and be prepared if you receive less than you planned.

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Some couples may be happier in their marriages if they maintain a level of independence – including separate bank accounts. It is practical to have a house account for household expenses and a personal account for personal expenses. Otherwise, conflicts may arise when there is personal need for an expense. A certain level of personal freedom and independence is a way to save and spend for personal needs. This is especially important since most couples include both a spender and a saver. Anxiety is reduced if each person has their own funds. Most debates regarding money should primarily involve the joint house account. Less so, of the individual accounts, unless someone has to dip into the household account for an expense. This is where conflict may arise. Communicate in advance about the needs of the household, and the individuals to determine what is the best approach to financial freedom, common financial goals, and financial independence.

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