There’s no denying it: the season of giving is an emotional time. In fact, for most people, it’s probably the most emotional time of the year. And when kids are involved, those feelings tend to go into overdrive. Just about any expense can be rationalized because it’s being done in the spirit of creating an amazing holiday experience for the young ones.

As we transition from beaches and flip flops to pumpkin spice and falling leaves, it’s time to start planning for the winter holiday season. These plans may include a celebration, shared feasts, and gifts. Though the reason for celebrations varies, one thing that remains common is the cost. Here are a few planning tips that can help ensure the holidays don’t cause more debt than memories.

There's no better way to spend the holiday season than spending time with those you love, and there's no better way to enjoy each other's time than with a home-cooked meal. However, cooking at home can often add up if you're not prepared. Check out the BALANCE blog post below for six ways to save on homemade meals.

With the Federal Reserve reporting that Americans owe $1.021 trillion in outstanding credit card debt, having the facts about how to get out of debt has become more important than ever before. The good news is getting out of debt does not have to be as stressful, painful, or hard as you might think. Mostly, paying off debt requires focus, a changed perspective on spending, and the ability to separate the myths from the facts.

How Does a Home Equity Loan Work?

If you’re looking for a way to deal with debt that is both flexible and affordable, a home equity loan may be a good solution. For homeowners who have built up some equity in their homes, this type of loan allows them to borrow from the accumulated equity and use it to pay down high-interest debt. Here’s a closer look at how home equity loans work, and when they work well for debt consolidation.

If you are thinking about refinancing your mortgage, then you know that this is a great way to save money on your monthly payment, shorten the term of your loan, or tap into the equity of your home for a home improvement project. At the same time, refinancing is like taking out a new home loan. For this reason, you need to know what to expect. There are a few tips that you should follow to make it easier for you to refinance successfully.

Decorating my home for each season is one of my favorite things to get me into the spirit of the upcoming seasonal activities. Fall, in particular, is one of my favorite seasons to decorate for because it gives such warm and cozy vibes. 
However, incorporating new seasonal styles and décor pieces into your home at each season change can be expensive. And, of course, with styles changing all the time, last year's trends are rarely still in style, making you feel like you have to go out and buy more to keep up.
This year, I decided to try decorating my home for fall with easy-to-find items from local thrift stores. In doing so, I found great pieces that can be reused each year and for multiple seasons, depending on how I style and mix and match them. Below are some of the items that I was on the hunt for: