Financial Therapist Bari Tessler Linden offers some pros and cons about popular bookkeeping systems, and reminds us about some of the stumbling blocks we can face when choosing. She believes we can over think the decision and that we often run into emotional issues in the process. Some reminders that apply to any system: important… Continue reading Just Pick One: Choosing a Bookkeeping System
Author: Carrie Rattle
Carrie Rattle is a Principal at BehavioralCents.com, a website for women focused on mind and money behaviors. She has worked in the financial services industry for 20+ years and hopes to inspire women to better prepare themselves for financial independence.
15 (+2) Tips to Fight the Shopping Bug
From Shopping to Saving blogger Erika shares her shopping secrets for survival. She writes her “wants” in a notebook, which also serves as a money tracker, often finding that when she comes back to it, her urge to buy is gone. Erika adds purchases to her online cart and leaves them there, returning after the… Continue reading 15 (+2) Tips to Fight the Shopping Bug
Treating the Cognitive Components of Addiction
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on our thoughts, not on our situations. The skills learned help us to handle difficult situations in new ways, which can be helpful in many problem areas of life, including addiction. In a cognitive behavioral approach to substance abuse treatment, patients learn new coping skills, how to change old habits… Continue reading Treating the Cognitive Components of Addiction
How One Small Decision Saved Me
Like dominoes, one decision can start an unstoppable process. Blogger Jill Chivers shares the story of a recent dilemma while driving by a shopping mall. Remembering she was out of her favorite tea, Chivers thought about stopping in for some. Being in a difficult emotional place at the time, she realized she wouldn’t just stop… Continue reading How One Small Decision Saved Me
Start Big. Start Small. Start Somewhere.
Becoming Minimalist blogger, Joshua Becker, says change can be so overwhelming that we often don’t know where to begin. Whether it’s exercise, diet, or de-cluttering our homes and lives, he suggests starting small and remembering that we don’t have to have it all figured out first. Becker provides examples from his own life, including cleaning… Continue reading Start Big. Start Small. Start Somewhere.
If you must use a credit card…some tips for doing so wisely!
In accordance with the American Bankers’ Association, the average American household has $8000 in credit card debt. With credit cards, there’s always the possibility of spending more money than you have. Even if you make your payments on time, if you are merely paying the minimum amount, it may take a decade or more to… Continue reading If you must use a credit card…some tips for doing so wisely!
Why Do We Enable People to Spend Money While Shopping?
“Former Shopaholic” Erica reflects on her habit of encouraging friends and family to spend money when they’re shopping together. She says, “We end up justifying purchases together…” Trying to analyze why she and her friends do this, she wonders if she’s living vicariously through her friend’s purchases. Or, is she secretly wanting to sabotage them… Continue reading Why Do We Enable People to Spend Money While Shopping?
The Case for Buying Refurbished Computers
The team at DailyWorth tells us that Apple, IBM, Dell and other major computer companies all sell refurbished computers that can often be a great deal, both from a financial and a quality perspective. When computers are returned, they might be “repaired, upgraded, cleaned, or simply tested and repackaged…,” and very few are found to… Continue reading The Case for Buying Refurbished Computers
Shopping Smart & Not Settling For Less
Do you shop when bored? Are there items in your closet with the tags still on? Do you find yourself wearing something only once? Blogger Janelle says she has made all of these mistakes, but now tries to make wiser shopping choices. With your own finances and goals in mind, Janelle suggests discriminating between fast… Continue reading Shopping Smart & Not Settling For Less
How Hormones Can Sabotage Your Spending
Author Louann Brizendine, Ph.D., says women are extra vulnerable to spending at two times during the month: around ovulation and at the end of their cycles. The hormones involved in ovulation can make women feel “more flirtatious,” which may lead to buying beauty products or clothing. Just before a woman’s period begins, she may feel… Continue reading How Hormones Can Sabotage Your Spending