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"Science is the great antidote to the poison of enthusiasm and superstition."

Adam Smith








 




 
Featured Budgeting Articles

Advertising on a budget -- Part 2: Thinking small
This is the second article of a three-part series. I'm illustrating the marketing challenges of a small business, PrescottWeddings.com. Our goal was to both build the PWC brand and drive traffic to the Web site. Advertising regularly was essential. Yet it ...

Shoestring budgeting
After you have taken control over your fixed expenses, it's time to take a look at the outgoing household expenses. These include food, groceries, clothing, cleaners, entertainment, etc. Get out pen, paper, and your check book register. Average how much ...

Tricks to quality prints with the right budget
What is the first thing that gets into your mind when thinking of having the right quality into your prints? It is the cost, right? It seems that getting the best is always synonymous with high cost. This fact is based upon the reality that people should ...




5 Ways To Keep Romance Alive – On A Budget
 
Just about everyone agrees that a nice dinner and a good bottle of wine at a quiet, intimate restaurant will set the mood for romance, but have you seen the price tag? Not everyone can afford to spend big money on romance ever time, but a bit of creativity can get the same results without breaking the bank.

While most people know about 'his and hers' items like bathrobes and towels, there are a number of other items that can be enjoyed together as 'couples' items. Try getting matching T-shirts with cute sayings on them. Have matching his and hers overnight bags, coffee mugs, bicycles, cell phones, cars, holiday ornaments, tennis rackets, rocking chairs and even matching carved pumpkins on Halloween.

Surprise your partner by making the ordinary a little more special. If he or she is enjoying a good book, remove the bookmark and replace it with a note that says, “I bet you'll never guess where I've hidden your bookmark.” If they always turn the TV on when they come home from work, tape a note on the television that says, “Wouldn't you rather turn me on?” instead.

Making important memories is one way to be romantic on a budget. Challenge your partner to remember the most romantic kiss that you've seen in a movie. This will lead to some discussion about romantic kisses and should enhance the mood. As a surprise, buy that movie one day and try to recreate that special romantic kiss! Keep it in a special place and re-watch it whenever the mood strikes. If you can't agree on the single most romantic kiss, go ahead and create a top five list. This tip works for anything. The top five most romantic songs. The top five most romantic movies. The top five most romantic books. You see the pattern. Make sure to go ahead and buy the books, songs, movies or whatever so you can use them in the future.

If you want to plan the ultimate romantic evening but funds are low or you simply don't want to have to leave the house, shut down the electricity and imitate a power outage (it's up to you whether or not you tell him or her!). You won't have any distractions or heat, so it is up to both of you to keep the other warm and entertain each other.

It's hard to find anyone who doesn't enjoy an Oreo cookie. Take an Oreo (or generic version of one), scratch the top of the cookie until smooth and then scratch a heart and your initials into the smooth surface. You can also make your own cookies and create personal messages. Another version is to make your own cupcakes and frost them with special messages in red icing. You can also give your spouse a true treat and track down a box of his or her favorite Girl Scout cookie.

These 5 simple ideas are sure to warm up any relationship. Don't be afraid to try simple tips and changes to “routines” to spice things up without having it cost a fortune!







Budgeting News


Budgeting for Healthcare in Retirement
U.S. News & World Report
By David Francis Many Americans assume that Medicare, the government-backed health-insurance program, will cover the majority of their heathcare costs after they stop working. But according to a new report from Fidelity, a 65-year-old couple that plans ...

and more »

Independent Online

Council still 'budgeting in the dark'
Independent Online
However, it appears that Durban shares, with other South African city governments, a propensity to keep budgeting processes largely within the corridors of municipal buildings. This is disturbing in a context where the world is seeing major shifts in ...


TIME

Mint Adds Budgeting and Split Transactions for iPhone and iPad
Lifehacker
Now you can create and edit budgets on your iPhone or iPad—making sure you're on track with your budget while you're out shopping. The update also lets you split transactions. The split transaction feature is helpful when you buy multiple things in ...
Mint Upgrades iOS App With Budget and Transaction Management ToolsMac Rumors

all 161 news articles »

Executive Director, Finance and Budgeting
Orlando Business Journal
Seminole County Public Schools is recruiting and evaluating candidates for the position of Executive Director, Finance and Budgeting. This individual will have responsibility for managing the entire financial function of this leading Florida school ...


A nudge toward budgeting
McKnight's Long Term Care News
For much of my life, I adopted a fairly casual attitude towards budgets and money. I believed in working hard and knew that money mattered; I just took a “God (or my parents) will provide” approach. It turns out that becoming an adult involves ...