Written by Sherrie Brann, Central Region Workforce Specialist Living “within your means” is basically spending less than you earn. In today’s society, it is easy to develop a lifestyle of living beyond our means. This can be due to easy access to credit cards and loans or not paying close attention to our spending. Eventually, this lifestyle leads to financial stress, which is why many of us would like to …
Written by Janet Smith, Regional Manager and Workforce Specialist in NVME’s Western Region What Happened? At the beginning of this year, major changes to federal income tax rates went into effect across the country. These changes may have impacted your take-home pay and may also affect your 2018 taxes when you file in 2019. Who Does it Impact? If you fall into one of the following categories, it’s crucial that …
Written by Suzanne Senechal-Jandreau, Northern Region Workforce Specialist and Regional Manager When I was young, we did not talk about money in our house. Many parents do not want to burden their children with concern about money. A lot of people have learned from their own experiences that money, even within a family structure, is a forbidden topic. It is difficult for children to understand why they cannot have everything that they …
Written by Sherrie Brann, Central Region Workforce Specialist Have you been looking for websites or apps to help you reach your money goals? The following websites are dedicated to doing just that! In this article, you will find trustworthy and free online tools that can help you set and reach savings goals. Money Website for Everyone America Saves Set a savings goal and get tips to help you reach …
You work hard for your money and you deserve to enjoy a healthy financial lifestyle. The following article explores how to use your refund this year to make things a little easier for you in the future and to benefit you and your family over the long term. Written by, Justin Chu, a Program Associate for the Taxpayer Opportunity Network a program of Prosperity Now, formerly CFED. “At Prosperity Now, we believe …
Written by Melinda Wildes, Workforce Specialist in NVME’s Midcoast Region, with Tina Ellis, New Ventures Maine graduate and recipient of the Gilda E. Nardone Scholarship Have you promised yourself that this is the year you will finally start off with a budget? Do you spend money and not remember where it went? Do you worry that you won’t be able to pay all your rent or mortgage on …
Written by Sherrie Brann, Central Region Workforce Development Specialist Goal-setting is key to building confidence and success. It is important to keep our goals realistic, even as we stretch and grow. How do we set goals we can meet in 2018? There are several tools that can help: Write it down. Writing a clear goal with a specific deadline keeps you accountable. Break it up. Dividing …
Written by Suzanne Senechal-Jandreau, Northern Region Workforce Specialist and Regional Manager Spending over the holiday season can be stressful and leave you feeling like the New Year is not so happy! Here are a few ideas to keep in mind as you prepare for this holiday season: Make a Budget and Stick to it Make a list of what you and whom you need to buy for and …
Written by Sherrie Brann, Central Region Workforce Development Specialist Most of us enjoy celebrating with our friends and families during this time. Many of us also find ourselves stressed about the added costs of the holiday season. Let’s make a plan to get more enjoyment out of our celebrations this year! Take Inventory Make a list of holiday items you already have on hand. When you realize you already …
Written by Chris Davis, Western Region Workforce Specialist Many people have money sitting in their savings account or stashed in their freezer. This can be a good thing until you compare it to how much you would earn by investing a part of it each month. If fear or a lack of know-how keeps you from making the step towards investing, here is some info to help you move forward. …