Budget

How to Guide on Preparing for Tax Season

The New Year is here, and that also means the countdown to tax season begins. Preparing your taxes may seem like a stressful and daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little organization and planning, you can file your taxes efficiently and even uncover opportunities to save money.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Here’s what you’ll likely need:

The True Cost of Holiday Spending

The holiday season is a magical time, but along with the festivities comes a lot of pressure to buy gifts, host parties, and splurge on holiday traditions. For many, this means pulling out the credit card and racking up debt, or even applying for a holiday loan all in the name of showing love to family and friends.

While we’re here to provide for all of your financial needs at CSE, we also believe that...

How to Avoid Impulse & Emotional Shopping

Impulse and emotional shopping can wreak havoc on your finances, leaving you with regret and unnecessary expenses. CSE is dedicated to helping you make smarter financial choices, and in this article we’re focusing on how to control those impulses that might lead to overspending. Shopping can be fun and even therapeutic, but it’s important to stay in control and avoid those purchases that can hurt your financial health.

Here...

Taming Your Bills and Subscriptions

In a world filled with bills and subscriptions, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in expenses. But what if there was a way to regain control over your finances? 

By mastering the art of negotiation and being vigilant about your subscriptions, you can free up and save back more money each month.

Let’s look at ways you can keep more money in your pocket.

Negotiating...

Turn Your Clutter into Cash: Best Practices for Selling Unused Items

Most people today are over-consumers, our homes quickly become warehouses for items we no longer use or need. From clothes tucked away in the back of our closets to trinkets gathering dust in forgotten corners, these unused items are more than just clutter—they have untapped potential for making you money.

Open your wallet to savvy practices that can help declutter your space while...

5 Habits to Make & 5 Habits to Break

Did you know…The 'saying' that it takes 21 days to make or break a habit is a myth!

While there isn't a one-size-fits-all timeline, research shows on average it takes around 3 months to form a habit and even longer to break a habit. Don't let these timeframes scare you. If you want to reach your financial goals, it’s important to break your bad habits and make new ones.

5...

5 Things to Consider Before Making a Large Purchase

Making a large purchase is a significant decision when it comes to your budget that requires careful consideration. Here are 5 tips to implement before making a substantial financial commitment:

1. Start with a Budget: First things first, set a budget. Ask yourself, how much are you willing to spend on this large ticket item, and stick to it!

2. Do Your Research: What’s the first thing you...

Essentials for Budget Flexibility: Building Your Emergency Fund

One of the key pillars to financial success is having an emergency fund in place. In this blog post, we'll explore the essentials of emergency funds and why every household should prioritize building one.

Think of your budget as a well-constructed house, with each expense and financial goal meticulously planned and laid out like the framework and walls. Now, imagine your emergency fund as the...

Budgeting and How to Put it into Practice

Creating a budget is a crucial step toward financial stability, but the real challenge lies in putting it into practice. It's not just about jotting down numbers on a spreadsheet or putting them in an app; it's about cultivating mindful habits and making informed financial decisions.

Here are ten practical tips to help you easily apply a budget to your everyday life.

Just...

The Resolution Every Budget Needs

Have you ever asked yourself what’s the one thing you need to do to make your New Year’s Resolution of having a budget stick? The resolution that every budget needs is: COMMITMENT!

Commitment is a crucial component of building and maintaining your budget. From building an emergency fund as your financial safety net to establishing, prioritizing, and consistently tracking your expenses, do not let...