• What Inspires You to Be Debt Free?

    When you finally make the decision to become debt free, like I did recently, you’ll quickly find it takes more than just willpower. For many of us it’s a long journey, one that might take years to complete. So how do you keep up the intensity without getting discouraged? Even with the best technology, apps and financial tools available, the only thing that’s helped me stick it out is remindi...
    May 17, 2012 15 Comments">15 Comments

  • The Importance of Leaving a Financial Legacy

    This is a guest post from my good friend Jana at Daily Money Shot. She writes about a very important topic today, so please read it and share your thoughts.  I’m Jana. I blog at Daily Money Shot, where I ramble about money at the intersection of life, pop culture and everything in between. And I’m thrilled and honored to be guest posting today at Careful Cents. On Mother’s Day, Carrie wrot...
    May 16, 2012 2 Comments">2 Comments

  • What I Learned From My Mother About Life and Money

    For the first part of my life I had the pleasure of knowing one of the most beautiful women in the world, my mom. She was kind, loving and very patient. She was quiet, conservative and pretty mellow about life in general (a lot of personality traits I picked up). Here’s a few things she taught me about life and money.   Always know the balance in your checkbook In my family, I’m infamous ...
    May 13, 2012 11 Comments">11 Comments

  • Budgeting for Extra Costs When Moving to a New Apartment

    Whether you’re moving to a new apartment (like me) or calculating your current budget for job or life changes, we all end up asking the same question. How much rent can I afford? With all the excitement of moving into a new place and getting settled in, we might have a tendency to overlook some important factors. But you can use these simple steps, to help determine how much you can affo...
    May 09, 2012 14 Comments">14 Comments

  • Top 10 Ways to Save Money on Practically Anything

    One of my pet peeves in life, is paying full retail price for stuff. I’m a big believer in buying quality items versus purchasing cheap things, but that doesn’t mean I can’t get a good deal. There’s a difference between buying value, and only focusing on instant savings. Almost everything I own has been carefully planned and thought about beforehand, to make sure I get th...
    May 05, 2012 16 Comments">16 Comments

  • Are Small Business Credit Cards a Good Idea?

    So you have this brilliant new business or entrepreneurial venture. You created a solid business plan, did the research with companies house directors, and are on your way to becoming profitable. Naturally the next step is to apply for a business credit card, right? Well, maybe not. Credit cards are not the only option. According to data from the National Small Business Association, about 42% of...
    May 03, 2012 12 Comments">12 Comments

  • Book Review: The Super Duper Simple Book On Money by Alan Akina

    There are lots of money and financial books out there, some of which I’ve read and reviewed on my blog. But none of them are as easy and simple to understand as this one. The Super Duper Simple Book On Money, by Alan Akina has 5 money principles everyone needs to know. For a limited time in May 2012 we can download the ebook for free.   About the author “Born and raised in Oahu, H...
    May 01, 2012 5 Comments">5 Comments

  • Monthly Progress Report: April Showers Bring May Flowers

    Spring is officially here! I’m really enjoying the weather, the flowers and the hope of new beginnings. My blog has been doubling in traffic/readers for the past 3 months. I’ve been getting more and more interaction on social media and lots more feedback here on Careful Cents. Thank you so much to everyone! I really enjoy blogging, reading your comments and getting your emails. I can&#...
    Apr 30, 2012 8 Comments">8 Comments

  • April Debt Goal Update: Pay Off Auto Loan

    I’m so close to becoming completely debt free! It’s going to be strange not having a car payment, since I’ve had one for the past 4 years. My money will finally be mine again and not the bank’s.   Previous Balance – $3,701.74 I reached another huge milestone this month, the 75% mark! Since I started in November 2011, I’ve paid off $6,400.35 (including interest)...
    Apr 30, 2012 8 Comments">8 Comments