Saving

When you’re trying to support a family, it’s important to make sure that you’re saving money wherever you can. There’s really no limit to how much you can save. From your food budget to your cable, internet and transportation costs, there’s always more that can be done to trim.

Saving money is probably my favorite topic on Ninja Budgeter. I’m passionate about making the most of what you have, and I write about it a lot. If there is something specific you would like me to cover in an article please don’t hesitate to reach out to me through my contact page.

Here are a few of my top articles about saving money:

45 Brilliant Ways To Save Money Right Now
5 Killer Savings Tactics To Help You Reach Your Goals
How To Automate Your Finances To Help You Save Money

The Importance of a Cash Cushion

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The economy was great going in to corona It seems like it was just yesterday that everyone was driving to work, rush hour was in full effect, and everything was functioning like normal. The economy was doing great, unemployment was at a low point, and everyone was planning their summer vacations. Now the streets are … Keep Reading

Money is Just a Game (Money Mindset)

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A Tough Subject to Write on I wrestled with whether or not to write this article for a long while. I was worried that it might come off as insensitive given the number of people living in squalor and not by choice. Who am I to talk so lightly about money when I have been … Keep Reading

Solo 401(k) vs SEP IRA

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Chances are if you’re reading this you are one of two types of people. You’re either someone who is considering becoming a contractor, has just accepted a job as a contractor, or are just starting a job as a contractor and want to know what your options for retirement accounts are. If that’s the case, … Keep Reading

An Introduction to the 3 Fund Portfolio

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VTSAX is my favorite investment vehicle. Whenever a friend or coworkers asks how to get started investing in stocks, the first piece of advice I will typically give is “put your money in VTSAX!” This is a pretty common piece of advice in the investing community. This advice is widespread because it’s good advice for investors just starting out. However, it doesn’t necessarily constitute a full investing strategy. This is especially true as your accounts start to grow. Let’s do an analysis to see where this advice holds merit and where it is lacking.

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Background on the 3 Fund Portfolio

The 3 fund portfolio is a book that I am taking from the bogle heads forum. the name bogle heads refers to the investing enthusiasts that can be found on their website. However, the name itself is a reference to John “Jack” Bogle, the founder and chief executive of The Vanguard Group, and creator of the first index fund.

The basic idea of the three fund portfolio is to allocate your money between three major index funds, VTSAX, VBTLX, and VTIAX. The ratio you allocate to each fund changes based on market conditions and your personal risk tolerance. These funds are all owned by Vanguard. However, other brokerages will have the same types of funds, which I will cover in a different article.

VTSAX is my favorite investment vehicle. Whenever a friend or coworkers asks how to get started investing in stocks, the first piece of advice I will typically give is “put your money in VTSAX!” This is a pretty common piece of advice in the investing community. This advice is widespread because it’s good advice for investors just starting out. However, it doesn’t necessarily constitute a full investing strategy. This is especially true as your accounts start to grow. Let’s do an analysis to see where this advice holds merit and where it is lacking.

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How to Embrace Frugal Living

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Living Frugally isn’t easy. However, if you are truly determined to make the switch, you are sure to find it rewarding! You’re going to have to cut back on expenses, move some money around, and acclimate to a different “normal.” Take it slow, make baby steps, and never doubt your progress. Have patience with both with yourself and the process, and you’ll be living a happy and frugal life in no time!

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Living In An RV in 2020 – Save Money And Crush Debt

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living in a camperThere are lots of reasons to consider living in an RV. The best one in my opinion, is that it’s CHEAP. If you have a lot of debt to pay off, or want to save up some big money (cough…down payment…cough) you should consider living in a camper.

RV living can save you hundreds of dollars per month to accelerate your debt repayment and cut years off of your loans, or sock away some serious money. It’s a more complicated and difficult life than living in a house, but if you’re motivated, it can be just the right thing to get your finances under control.

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45+ Ways To Cut From Your Budget (When There’s Nothing Left To Cut)

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how to cut from your budgetShortly after my wife and I were married in 2009 (we just had our 10th anniversary last week :), we found ourselves in a tight spot financially. I was laid off from work, she wasn’t making enough to support our lifestyle and we were in deep financial trouble.

There are few things that will humble a person like looking down the barrel of not being able to pay rent in a months time. Something needed to change.

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9 Legit Ways To Get Free Internet Access in 2020

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free internet

Think there’s no way to get free internet access? Think again!

Let’s be real here, the cost of internet service is getting ridiculous. In fact, the average American household now pays $67 for internet. That number is lower in Canada, around $55. Many ISPs start their internet packages at around $50, and they go well up into the 3-digit range from there. As more people get online and speeds continue to increase, prices are only going to go up!

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35 Cheap And Easy Meal Prep Recipes For Every Meal

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cheap meal prep recipesIf you’re a parent, you know that kids are usually one of two things: bored and hungry. The hungry thing can get expensive! Food costs can get out of control when you’re feeding multiple people.

I’ve tried all kinds of things over the years from extreme couponing (ugh, no thanks…) to driving around and shopping sales. These things made a dent in our food cost but we needed something more structured to reign in our food spending.

The answer for us turned out to be meal prepping. Finding a bunch of easy and cheap meal prep recipes was what we needed to turn our grocery spending right around.

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How To Get The Most Money When Selling Your Used Car

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how to get the most money selling a carSo you’ve decided that it’s time to upgrade your ride. Like most people, you’ve probably spent hours online researching makes, models and colors for your new vehicle. You’ve probably researched which models hold their value and have a good idea of what you want to buy.

Here’s the thing, if you don’t invest some effort into your old ride as well, you could be leaving hundreds or thousands of dollars on the table. Sure you can offload any car for cheap, but that’s not what you want, is it? You want to get top dollar for your old ride!

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