Articles By:

Andrea Hermitt

I have been a certified tightwad striving for financial freedom since I became pregnant with my first child -- and I decided to find a way to stay home with him full-time. I enjoy sharing my personal experiences in my journey back to financial health and planning for a future -- which will include sending 2 kids to college and early retirement.

In Debt? Don’t Worry Be Happy

Here's how to create the world's simplest budget... One that's guaranteed to get you out of a desperate financial situation and make you happy for a change!

Should You Change Banks?

Best Bank is a new bank that has partnered with Kroger and other grocery stores. They are currently offering many free services that USED to be free at other banks. In addition to good banking practices, they have joined forces with the supermarket to offer customers cash back on groceries purchased at Kroger, as well as at other participating stores.

Let’s See… Cash, Cash, or Cash?

For most of my adult life, I refused to carry cash. Recently, I've had a change of heart. Here's why I think paying with cash is the best way to go -- most of the time.

How To Use The Cash Envelope System For Savings

Some tips for using Dave Ramsey's Cash Envelope System when you're budgeting your bills for the month. Finally, you'll have a handle on how much you can spend, and how much you need to save to get through each month.

Reasons To Pay Off Your Home Loan

I completely agree with Suze Orman when she says it's better to pay off your home loan early. Here's why...

Making Ends Meet: Tips For Getting Through A Rough Spot

Some great tips for stretching a dollar and getting by when times are tough.

A Word Of Advice Before You Ride That Coupon Train…

Coupon trains are when a group of people gets together in an effort to share discount store coupons. The 1st person -- the conductor -- cuts all coupons from the paper and takes what they need. They pass the other unwanted coupons to the 2nd person who takes what they need from the coupons and then adds their unwanted coupons to the pack... and so on. But are coupon trains legal?

Are Title Loans and Pawn Shops Worth It When You Need Fast Cash?

Title Loans and Pawn Shops... there are other ways to get money fast, you know!

Buying A New Home?… Is Your Realtor Steering You Wrong?

Are you REALLY ready to buy a new home? Are you buying more house than you can actually afford? Are your friends and Realtor trying to convince you to buy more than you need? Don't dig yourself into a hole... Here are a few things to think about before you sign on the dotted line.

Qualifying For A Home Loan (…Using Just One Income)

For a couple purchasing a house, it might be a better idea to use only one person's income to qualify for your home loan. By using only one person's income on your home loan, you are guaranteeing that you are not purchasing a house that you will not be able to afford should you find that one person is unable to work for any period of time. But wait, there's more!

Married Money Dilemma: Should You Maintain Separate Finances In Your Marriage?

There are good reasons to have separate finances and there are also good reasons to have joint finances. Here are some of the benefits of having separate finances, compared to the benefits of combining finances when you're married.

Is Your Home Phone Bill Out Of Control?

Because we have high-speed DSL through our home phone line, I have been ignoring the high amount we have been paying on our home phone. However, even with DSL, $120 a month is just too much to pay for a home phone when your household already has 4 cell phones. Here's what I did...

Too Much Stuff & Knowing When to Let It Go

if you just can't afford all of your expenses, the best thing you can do for yourself is to let something go -- which can mean downsizing your home, moving into an apartment, or giving up a car. The result of letting go is a better relationship between your debts and your income. You'll find a comfort zone that you can live with -- day in and day out.

What About The People Paying Their Loans On Time? Good News: There’s Help For You, Too!

If you have managed to keep your credit rating in good standing during this time of home foreclosures, and made all of your payments on time, there are ways that you can get a bit of financial relief, too. You don't have to be in over your head to get good deals on a home loan.

Behind On Your Mortgage? Six Mortgage Lenders Are Participating In Project Lifelife

Is your mortgage with Bank of America, Citigroup, Countrywide, J.P Morgan Chase and Co, Washington Mutual, or Wells Fargo? If so, then Project Lifeline can help you with your past-due mortgage. If not, then read on, there's help to keep you from losing your house.

Have You Started Saving Too Soon? Have You Paid Off Your Debts First?

Save money for your future... increase your retirement savings... start investing... but when is it too much too soon? I realize this sounds a bit crazy. But for many, saving at all costs means running up credit cards for basic living expenses. What's wrong with this picture?

A Great Way To Teach Kids About Money (…That Helps Your Family Budget Together)

Here's a clever approach to teaching children about money. Give them a budget... no, I mean part of your actual household budget! Then, see how they do. Here's an example where the kids became more responsible, as well as better shoppers and savers. See how it works...

Will New Finance Curriculum In Schools Heal Georgia’s Financial Woes?

The state of Georgia is facing serious financial problems. Georgia educators plan to fix this by adding financial literacy and financial planning to the state's high school curriculum. This means they'll have to remove 20% of social studies lessons to make room for the new finance and economics classes. Is is the right thing to do?

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