The Financially Free Blog
What is an Employer Match? And How to Get The Most Out of It
We all love free money. And while an employer match on your 401(k) isn’t exactly free money—it’s actually compensation for your hard work—it sometimes feels that way. To make sure that you are getting the most out of your employer match, you do need to know a thing or two about it.
What Should I Do If I Can't Afford My Student Loan Payments?
This month, millions of borrowers are making their first federal student loan payment in three and a half years. During this time, you may have moved, bought a house, purchased a car, had kids, adopted a pet, paid off debt, taken on new debt, lost a job, and gotten a new job. Even without any of these big changes in your life, your financial landscape probably looks a lot different than it did in March 2020. If you find that your student loan payment is stretching your budget, it’s time to consider other options.
When Should I Ask for a Raise as a Freelancer?
Most W-2 employees can only dream of setting their own pay, but as a freelancer, you can make it happen. It’s an amazing opportunity, but also a lot of responsibility because you are the only one who can give yourself a raise.
5 Budgeting Apps To Get You On Track
When you need help keeping track of your finances, your first instinct might be to try a budgeting app—and for good reason! These apps can display your whole financial picture in one place, help you understand your cash flow, and illuminate your spending trends. There are many great options out there so we reviewed a handful of the most popular tools to help you choose.
4 Ways to Fit Student Loan Payments in Your Budget
With federal student loan payments resuming next month, it’s time to make a plan to adjust your budget. Here are four ways to do just that.
Does Your Credit Card Need Some Self-Care?
Between travel, get-togethers, and other social events, summer is hard on our credit cards. While we kick back and relax, they work overtime to pay for our fun. If you worked your credit cards a little too hard this summer, fall is the perfect time to give them a break with these five tips.
4 Ways to Get Motivated With Your Money
Most financial journeys are not linear—they have ups and downs. As such, your motivation will ebb and flow too, and that’s ok! When you are ready to get back on track, try these tips to boost your motivation.
3 Student Loan Initiatives You Should Know About
If you’re confused about where you stand with student loans, you’re not alone. Over the past year, so many programs have been announced that it can be hard to keep track of them all, never mind understanding whether they apply to you. Here’s a roundup of three federal student loan initiatives that you should know about:
10 Tips For Digital Nomads & Extended Sabbaticals
Have you ever dreamt about traveling the world for six months, a year, or indefinitely? Whether you’re a digital nomad or someone wanting to travel for an extended period of time, making the best use of your money can add months of time to your trip and save you countless headaches along the way.
6 Ways to Save on Back-to-School Shopping
Summer is coming to an end and that back-to-school feeling is in the air. For parents with school-aged children, that means it’s time for back-to-school shopping. Between purchasing new school supplies and clothes for your children, this can be a financially stressful time. Here are six ways to save money while making sure your kids have everything they need to start the school year off right.
Top 3 Exercises to Get Financially Fit
Getting financially fit doesn’t happen overnight but with these three financial exercises, you can start to change your financial thoughts and habits.
5 Ways to Stretch Your Summer Travel Budget
Summer is one of the most popular times to travel—about 85% of Americans plan to take a trip this season. And while summer can be a great time to get away, it can also impact your wallet. Here are five tips to get the most out of your summer vacation without breaking the bank.
How to (Successfully) Start Your Own Business
Starting your own business can be an effective way to build long-term wealth—or it can really set you back financially. Increase your chances of success by following these five tips: understand your why, build a strong foundation, develop a marketing plan, prepare for taxes, and watch your expenses.
Top 5 Ways to Get Ready for Student Loan Payments
Federal student loan payments will restart in October. Read about the top five steps to take to get ready to make your student loan payments again and avoid last-minute stress.
Costs to Consider When Adopting vs. Fostering a Pet
While we love the idea of getting dogs and cats out of shelters, we want to remind you that pets are a financial investment. The energy and time it takes to care for a pet comes with a price tag and we want you to be aware of this price tag. Here are some costs you should plan to fit into your monthly budget before adopting!
How to Use a Secured Card to Build Credit
It’s hard to get credit if you don’t already have it. That’s where secured credit cards come in. Read about how a secured credit card can help if you are starting to build your credit for the first time or rebuilding after past credit challenges.
5 Summertime Budget Leaks to Avoid
Summer means indulging in vacations, social activities, and outdoor events (AKA “budget leaks”). Read about five common budget leaks to look out for this summer and how to keep them from busting your budget.
Everything You Need to Know to Start Travel Hacking
Travel hacking can help you afford more travel with less money. Learn all about how to get started by choosing a travel hacking strategy that works best with your travel goals and financial situation.
How to Calculate Your Emergency Fund Goal
You may have heard you should save an emergency fund of 3 to 6 months of expenses, but what does that actually mean? Learn what’s included in these expenses and how many months you should have.
Is the Financial Gym Worth It?
Spending money to get help with your finances is not an oxymoron. Learn when it’s worth working with the Financial Gym and what results you can expect from your membership.