Matt Bell

• Why You Should Review Your Budget Often
  Too often, people review how they’re doing with their budget only at the end of the month.
  Wednesday, September 18, 2024
• A Great Guide to a More Joyful, Less Debtful Christmas
  Could you reduce your spending to $100 this Christmas?
  Thursday, November 9, 2023
• Where Does All Your Money Go?
  Does the word “budget” make you cringe? For many, the word conjures up images of a ball and chain strapped to their ankle, a heavy weight putting a drag on their finances and fun.
  Tuesday, February 15, 2022
• Budgeting Is about Having More
  If you’re not crazy about the idea of using a budget, you’re not alone. Many people think of a budget as something you go on like a diet.
  Thursday, February 18, 2021
• Start the New Year With a Powerful Personal Finance Tool
  With the New Year just around the corner, right now is the ideal time to get in the habit of tracking your spending.
  Monday, December 30, 2019
• How to Safely Pay with Plastic
  What's the difference between paying with debit and credit? It's all plastic, right? Matt Bell explains the difference.
  Wednesday, December 4, 2019
• Avoiding a Common, Costly Budget Mistake
  Failing to plan for the maintenance costs of homes and vehicles is one of the most common mistakes I’ve seen.
  Friday, November 16, 2018
• IRA or 401(k)? The Best Answer Might be Both
  "If I'm eligible to contribute to both an IRA and a 401(k), which should I choose and why?" The answer depends on a few thing.
  Monday, June 4, 2018
• It's Your Retirement Account, Not A Piggy Bank
  Should I borrow money from my 401(k)? What are the pros and cons?
  Wednesday, March 21, 2018
• How Much Money Should I Spend Every Month?
  As you get started with a budget, a logical question is, “How much should I spend on food, fun, and all the rest." That’s why I developed detailed recommended spending guidelines for one-, two-,...
  Friday, March 17, 2017
• Is it “Irrational” to be Happy about Getting a Tax Refund?
  Will you get an income tax refund this year? If you’re happy about that, Time magazine thinks you’re a little kooky.
  Wednesday, March 8, 2017
• Spending Money With Peace of Mind
  "Getting the most for your money" isn't about obsessive frugality. It's about managing money well!
  Monday, September 1, 2014
• How to Set Your Finances in Order
  If your household's primary investment decision-maker died today, how well equipped would the survivor be to make such decisions?
  Monday, July 14, 2014
• The Money-Saving Advantages of a Health Savings Account
  In the midst of the confusion and concern brought on by implementation of the Affordable Care Act, one health-related financial tool stands out as a bright spot: the health savings account (HSA).
  Friday, March 28, 2014
• When CD Rates Seem Too Good To Be True
  How can these companies offer such high rates? What's the catch?
  Monday, March 10, 2014
• For Investors, There’s Power in Doing Nothing
  investors who receive frequent news updates about their investments earn lower returns than those who get no news. The fewer the updates, apparently, the fewer the chances for emotional...
  Monday, August 26, 2013
• How Well Will Your Retirement Expectations Match Reality?
  A sizable number of older workers are woefully unprepared, but more people are recognizing their need to do more to prepare.
  Monday, June 10, 2013
• Swimming Upstream in Our Consumer Culture
  If our culture had a vision statement, it would be one word: More! But often the pursuit of more leaves us with so much less.
  Wednesday, June 5, 2013