Joe Sangl

A great to way to prevent overspending for Christmas is to prepare a special budget for Christmas. Jenn and I save a little money each month for Christmas. In November, we prepare a plan for that money.

I have discovered, however, that new does not always equal better. In fact, I have learned many times that I can purchase used items, save a ton of money and receive an equal level of performance.

It is important for our daughter to learn to give, save and spend some of the money she receives. We require that the spending plan includes 20 percent for giving, 20 percent for saving, and the rest is for spending ...

We all have that person or persons we look up to when we think of wealth or money management.

Adjust your monthly spending plan to include this new savings fund. If it helps, you can establish a separate savings account with an automatic bank draft that will move this money from your bill paying account once a month. This ...

Details can drive one crazy. The solution? Find ways to automate the details, or find someone to address the details for you.

The No. 1 way to receive a pay raise is to become more effective at helping your organization produce better results. I once heard Dave Ramsey, a noted personal finance and leadership expert, state, “Your pay raise becomes effective when ...

I usually respond that it is essential to restructure high-interest debt to low- and no-interest to gain traction toward debt freedom

You can use Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Linkedin, blogs, Web sites, Tokbox and Skype, to name a few.

I recently had the tremendous opportunity to speak to hundreds of leaders.

We value our customers!” How many times have you seen a statement similar to this at the businesses you visit?

State your vision and obtain accountability to start on the path to financial wellness.

The Web offers plenty of resources in helping you save at the grocery store.

I heard recently that the No. 1 leading phrase used lately in the online world is “in this down economy”

I want to be clear that the vast majority of my investments are in mutual funds (that are comprised of hundreds of individual stocks), real estate and small business. However, one reason I continue to invest small amounts of money ...

A look at easy ways to go broke

Someone is ALWAYS dreaming of ways to provide improved costs, services, products, features, and solutions. That means I will benefit as a consumer.

Every budget has large expenses and smaller expenses. Some of the larger expenses for personal finances include house payments, car payments, groceries, insurance, student loan payments and other debt payments. It is important to focus on these big rocks regularly ...

One key issue that I have with intermingled accounts is that it becomes very difficult to determine whether a business is making money. The business could be making excellent money, but it could be masked by terrible spending habits.

Do you know how much money your business is making? Or losing?

I have realized that many employees have no idea how much they truly cost their employer

Do you have a high schooler in your household?

I believe that everyone can absolutely win with their money. I used to be broke, and I figured out a way to stop being broke.

No savings coupled with a loss of income results in immediate financial hardship. Tough decisions are required to survive, and it can be very difficult to make good decisions because of the emotional mess this situation creates.

I have had the wonderful opportunity to review a lot of different businesses as I travel teaching about personal and small-business finance

I have observed that many people do not have a complete financial plan. It is so important to have one

Have you ever purchased something that you really wanted only to discover that there were hidden costs?

I have found a way to avoid giving gifts that keep on taking. I pay cash for all purchases. If I do not have the money, I simply do not purchase the gift.

I am sick of seeing all of the television personalities telling me that the financial sky is falling

Deals offering to save you big mostly just clever marketing gimmicks

A clear vision helps answer questions before they are ever asked. What is the vision of your business? Where are you headed? Where will you choose to compete? Where will you choose to not participate? A clear vision frees up ...

Spend the money into a savings account or fund a known, upcoming expense such as car taxes or a vacation.

Your child is growing up fast. Are you ready to pay for his or her college education?

Prepare a written spending plan for each month to reduce your financial stress.

If you have a passion to do something else, try it out. Find someone else who is doing that type of work and take them to lunch. Ask them questions. Ask if you can work with them for a while. ...

If you have lost your job, there's no better time to take steps to seize your dream.

Use the SMART method to reach your goals for 2009

Imagine what your life would look like without any debt. Zero. Including the mortgage. That is what inspired me to throw the shovel away and stop digging.

A monthly income statement helps me clearly see the overall health of the business. After several months and years of operating the business, it becomes very easy to spot potential problems.

Consumers have received an economic stimulus not in the form of a government check.

Credit cards are a bailout plan you should avoid at all costs.

Have you ever made a quick financial decision that you later regretted? In the marketing world, they call that regretful feeling “buyer’s remorse.” Here are some tips to avoid buyer’s remorse with future purchases.

Start by asking yourself the following question. “Do I understand how much my debt is costing me every month?” Having taught thousands of people about personal finances, I am convinced that most people do not truly understand how much their ...

A strong savings account can be a powerful tool during times of economic woe

Being debt-free will allow you to do what you've been put on this earth to do

Something amazing happens when I start running. I am energized. I feel great! The health benefits are noticeable in maintaining an excellent weight, low heart rate and increased energy levels. The same thing happened when we began budgeting our money. ...

So what have I done in response to the fear-based trading on Wall Street? I have continued purchasing good mutual funds and a few individual stocks of companies that I believe are well-positioned for excellent gains. I have always ensured ...

As I ponder the statement “educated way beyond my level of obedience,” I realize that the No. 1 reason I have not listened to financial truths and made negative financial decisions is my impulsive nature. I see something I want, ...

The earlier you save for retirement, the better off you'll be.

All of the things in life that we can continue to enjoy even in the face of a recession