profile

Where Penny-Smart Meets Life-Savvy

The Penny Post: March Money Madness

Published about 2 months ago • 1 min read

Hi Reader!

​
​

It’s that time of year when everyone seems to have a March Madness bracket to fill out. The office pool, the neighborhood bar, the family chat - everyone is weighing in with their picks. Now, I could give you my best tips for picking a winner (I pick by cutest mascot, of course), but I’m going to suggest a different type of contest.

Having discretionary or fun money is essential to sticking with a budget. A restrictive diet rarely works long-term, and money is no different. But the very nature of fun money is that you can spend it on anything you want. So how do you decide what you want? What happens when you spend too much on eating out and don’t have enough money for that new computer you have been eyeing?

​
Well, why not make it a contest?

Take a cue from the March Madness bracket and list your short-term and fun spending goals. Then play them one by one, head-to-head. Which ones are easy wins? Which ones are nail-biter close calls? How does your bracket match your partner’s?

You may be surprised by what comes out on top. And if you are doing this with family, it can spark some interesting (and revealing) conversations. Have fun with it and don’t take it too seriously. After all, priorities change all the time, and everyone loves a good Cinderella story.

And if you would like to learn more, schedule a FREE Penny for Your Thoughts Q&A Call​

Remember, small change adds up. Step by step and penny by penny, we’re building a better life. Have a shiny day!

​
Laura

​
​
​

​Submit a topic or question you would like me to cover in the newsletter! www.apennysavedfinance.com​

For Email Inquires: 600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246
​Unsubscribe · Preferences​

Where Penny-Smart Meets Life-Savvy

Monthly money tips and tricks for getting out of debt, saving more, and spending with intention.

I provide personalized service that transforms clients' relationships with money and helps them practice financial management skills that they can use every day to build their best lives.

Read more from Where Penny-Smart Meets Life-Savvy

Hi Reader! Do you put most of your purchases on your credit card and pay them off at the end of the month? While that’s a great money habit, you may be carrying more risk than you realize. Here's a question: Do you charge purchases today knowing you'll pay them off with your next paycheck? It feels harmless enough, right? That's called credit card float. And while it can feel as breezy as a lazy river ride, it may be hiding some murky waters beneath the surface. When you pay for something...

1 day ago • 1 min read

Hi Reader! Zero-Based Budgeting. 50/30/20 Rule. 70/20/10 Rule. Cash Stuffing. Pay-Yourself-First. Anti-Budget. No-Spend Challenge. Mindful Spending. There are so many buzzwords and trendy opinions around how to manage your money. But how do you choose? Which one is actually right for you? Finding the right system can feel a little like Goldilocks trying to find the right bed. Not every approach fits just right. It takes time to get comfortable and start seeing results. But once you find a...

15 days ago • 1 min read

Hi Reader! Are you getting a tax refund this year? Refunds can feel like a gift from above (pennies from heaven!), and they generate a lot of excitement. But without a little planning, that excitement can work against you. A windfall, whether it is a refund, a bonus, or a gift, has a way of sparking big dreams. We start mentally spending it the moment we hear it's coming: pay down debt, build up savings, finally make that purchase we've been putting off, book that vacation. And honestly? That...

29 days ago • 1 min read