How can you manage your money better and more effectively? You might have come across the advice to “make a budget and stick to it.” That’s good advice, but the word budget can be intimidating to some. Don’t worry. There’s a friendlier way to approach it. Let’s reframe and call it a “spending plan.” Think of it as your guide to achieving financial success. So, instead of dreading budgeting, embrace the idea of a spending plan.

If you need to make more progress with your spending plan, here are some helpful tips to take control of your finances, develop good money habits, and avoid financial setbacks. Below are some financial reminders you may want to set up:

In previous issues of the Where What When, we discussed three common money mistakes. The first is not having a budget, the second is living above your means, and the third is not having an emergency fund. Let’s look at two more common money mistakes: needing more retirement funds and not having enough insurance.

You have finally made it financially. You landed a job with a six-figure salary – a financial dream come true! You probably feel like a millionaire, ready to buy a Land Rover with leather seats or bring your entire mishpacha to Eretz Yisrael for a well-deserved relaxing – and spiritual – vacation at the Waldorf Astoria, which is within walking distance of the Kotel. But looking at your achievement more realistically, you might ask yourself whether you will really be able to afford a Rolex watch or merely be able to pay for your children’s chasanas without going into debt? Let’s explore what a six-figure salary means for a frum family’s bottom line.

Did you beautify your Chanukah party this year with a garland of homemade paper dreidels and menorahs, or did you use an elaborate themed décor you saw described in one of the weekly magazines? Did you fry your own potato latkes served with a side of applesauce and splurge on the 79-cent jelly donuts from the local store? Or did you create a themed Chanukah dinner replete with Asian marinated fried chicken, maple bourbon chicken poppers, Yapchik latkes, and expensive Chanukah donuts that set you back about $10 per decadent treat?

Blew your budget? Outta cash? Depleted your checking account? Maxed out on your credit cards?

Chanukah is coming, and like most of our wonderful Jewish holidays, it takes money for all those gifts and Chanukah gelt that you are hoping to distribute. Or perhaps you have a more mundane financial obligation coming up and simply don’t have the money to fund it. Hopefully, this article will give you some recommendations to get money quickly. Remember, these are only suggestions, which may or may not work for your family situation. But even if only one or two of these tips work for you, it will translate into found money.

What would happen if the money in your bank account bought less this year than last? Would you change your spending habits? Would you spend more time thinking about how to get a better deal or look for sale prices on items that you frequently buy? Would you stop buying certain items or change your outlook on what is a “need” and what is a “want”?

The cost of everyday goods just keep going up. The average price of gas in Baltimore, at the time of writing this article, is $4.84 per gallon. Eggs have jumped in price from $1.67 per dozen in 2021 to about $2.74 in 2022. And a gallon of milk will set you back about $4.33. Overall, inflation in May hit 8.3%, but the year-over-year increase specifically for food items rose 9.4%. Chicken is up 16.4%. Eggs are up 22.6%. Margarine is up 23.5%. Why is this happening? Why would your money be worth less this year than last year? You would need to understand inflation in order to answer this question.