Money

It's that time of year again that most people dread: tax season. If you're like many Americans, you're probably planning on a tax refund. Even though that boost of money feels good at the time, it's actually better to not receive a refund. When your taxes are withheld during the year, you could be missing out on some of the money you earned. How a tax refund works Throughout the year, people pay federal and state income taxes from their own paycheck. A tax refund is the result of overpaying these taxes. That means your giving away your money during the year just to get a chunk back during tax [...]

Finances can be challenging for anyone, but it can be tough to manage finances with ADHD. Neurodivergent brains are wired to be easily distracted, disorganized, and impulsive, making managing money daunting. However, there are ways to overcome these challenges and gain control of our financial lives. In this blog, we will explore five tips on how you can better manage finances with ADHD. Make a budget and stick to it One of the most important things you can do to manage your finances is to make a budget. This will help you identify your income, expenses, and savings goals. Once you have a [...]

There’s a classic optical illusion that features a drawing of an elderly woman or a young woman, depending on how you look at it. It’s purposefully ambiguous. The nose of the elder woman could be seen as the chin and jawline of the younger. The ear of the younger could be seen as the eye of the elder. The difference is in how you look at it, just like with your perspective on money. The Village Financial Resource Center's financial counselors help people reach their financial goals. The process almost always entails, at minimum, a discussion about goals, a comprehensive review of assets and [...]

Mental health and money can have a big impact on each other. Anxiety surrounding money is hard on a person's mental health, and having mental health hardships can be tough on your wallet, as well. According to moneyandmentalhealth.org, nearly half (46%) of people with problematic debt live with a mental health concern. Money issues and poor mental health can go hand in hand. Mental health struggles mean that managing money can be hard, and worrying about the state of your finances can make your mental health worse. Mental Health and Money How do mental health struggles impact your finances [...]

A broken bone, mental health therapy, a long-term illness, a car accident, a premature baby. All of these situations – and so many more unexpected ones – can land a family in medical debt. “Medical debt is different from other forms of debt, because it is usually incurred accidentally or faultlessly. People do not plan to fall ill or hurt themselves, and health care remedies are often unavoidable…” Wikipedia reads. A family can’t comparison shop for a needed surgery or delay treatment for cancer until they have the money to pay for it in full. When most people think of medical debt, they think [...]

Many times, clients decide to make an appointment with The Village Financial Resource Center after a financial shock, such as a job loss, a change in household size, or medical issue. During stressful times it is a good idea to talk things through with a non-biased third party that can help you look at the situation and your options objectively. Here is advice from The Village's credit counseling team for navigating a period of financial uncertainty. 6 Tips for Financial Uncertainty 1. Stay calm In times of stress it can be hard to do, but taking a step back before making any major decisions [...]

Jeremy was trapped. Confined by his own decisions, he found himself drowning in debt. Instant gratification led his life. A new shirt, concert tickets, or whatever caught his eye became his with one swipe of a credit card. He was a hard worker and worked multiple jobs. It seemed easier to buy something on the credit card than it was to budget; he didn’t feel the financial “hit” as much. How can I ask for help? Am I sure I need help? These questions swirled in his brain. That’s when Jeremy was referred to The Village Financial Resource Center. Burdened by his debt, he knew asking for help was [...]

We all know it feels good to have some extra money in the bank, but it's easier said than done to stash that cash. It takes discipline to make your savings account grow, but there are some tricks and tips that you can follow to become a saver. 5 Ways to Start Saving More 1. Have a budget and stick to it While most of us hate the idea of a budget, it is an important part of the saving process. For example, if your expenses are equal to, or exceed, your income, setting aside dollars for saving will require additional effort and other issues will need to be addressed. Having a budget will help [...]

You grab a candy bar at the cash register, or unexpectedly swing into the coffee shop drive-thru. You were just going to browse at the mall until you saw that pair of shoes. You didn't really need that new tech gadget, but it was such a good deal. Everyone has made an impulse purchase. Stores and online shopping outlets are designed to encourage them, and the occasional impulsive treat isn't the worst thing in the world. Most of the time, though, impulsive spending makes us feel worse, drains our finances and can even affect our relationships. What is impulsive spending? It can run from [...]

Just thinking about creating a budget can feel overwhelming, but streamlining your finances will make it easier for you to reach your goals. You may not believe it, but budgeting can actually be fun if you do it the right way! The outcomes of a successful budget include paying off debts, gaining some extra money, feeling a sense of control over your life, and increasing your overall well-being. Creating and sticking to a budget is an attainable goal that anyone can accomplish. Follow these tips and you're sure to be on the right track! Steps to creating a budget that's right for you 1. Figure [...]