Financial therapist, coach, and “mommypreneur” Bari Tessler Linden believes in the power of trust, especially as it relates to your monetary journey. Consulting the Merriam Webster Dictionary, the author says, “Trust is confidence. It’s hope. The expectation that things will be okay, and right.” She suggests that trust is important in our relationship to money because of the ups and downs inherent in money, and offers ways to cultivate trust during the down times. Linden says to welcome the uncertainty, tap into your “special self-care recipe” to help you relax, and make room for clarity, while being open to needed new skill sets.

Read full article here: How do money and trust know each other?

Keeping sight of your long-term investment goals will help you keep your emotions in check as you encounter the invariable fluctuations in the investment markets. Fear due to losses and then subsequent confidence from gains can lead to unwise investment patterns and the paradoxical “buying high and selling low” mentality; the exact opposite of what you want. Don’t be swayed by short-term swings; keep the big picture in mind and be sure your current investments reflect this. An objective friend or financial advisor can provide support, encouragement and advice, so you come out ahead in the long run.

Read full article here: Emotional Investing: Why We Buy High and Sell Low

Have a student loan? You’re not the only one; college debt is over $1 trillion in the U.S. To take control of your student debt, experts suggest starting with a clear assessment of your debt and debtors. Make sure your contact information is up to date, and keep it current. Federal education loans can be made more flexible; work with your lender to set a repayment plan you can live with. Automatic payments are easier, plus, you’ll get a break on your interest rate. Have a plan and be prepared to make extra payments when you’re able, focusing on the loans with the highest interest rates.

Read full article here: Student Loans: Your 5-Step Plan to Pay Them Off

Lori Lippincott of Loving Simple Living believes minimalism is a journey, and shares her view of the minimalist’s life cycle, beginning with a sense of searching; something needs to change. One becomes aware of the minimalist lifestyle and the idea resonates. Curiosity leads to action, which could be just cleaning out a closet. Excitement results and one is eager to continue. Then a setback happens and it seems overwhelming. Pushing through provides strength and the will to keep moving things out, and the process continues. Lippincott believes this helps one to tackle difficult issues in other areas of life as well.

Read full article here: The Life Cycle of a Minimalist

A cigarette and martini lifestyle wasn’t great for your health, but Americans did borrow smarter in the mid-century. Banking was more personal and relationship-oriented, credit card debt was rare, as most people paid with cash, and loans were available at local shops with low or no interest. Saving was the norm as were Christmas clubs and S&H Green Stamps as incentives for buying. Not so hot: credit reports were unavailable to consumers and not well regulated, women and minorities were discriminated against in lending, and consumer protection laws were in their infancy. A better time for consumers? Maybe.

Read full article here: ‘Mad Men’ money: Credit in the smoking era

Gasoline prices $5 a gallon this summer? Could happen, so here are some tips to cope. Comparison shop for gas prices; there are even apps for that! Keeping tires inflated and changing the air filter can also contribute to fuel efficiency. What can you remove from your trunk or from the top of your car? Makes a difference. Combine trips, accelerate slowly and avoid making complete stops. If you do need to stop for more than a minute or so, turn off the ignition and you’ll burn less gas. Best tip: downsize to a smaller and more fuel efficient car.

Read full article here: How To Save Money on Gas: A Practical Guide

A realistic look at wedding expenses can be the start of a beautiful marriage. Know how much money you have, and then you will know how much you can spend. Think about where you want the reception and at what time of day; there’s a huge range here. The most important part of the planning process is to write down what you want and what you have spent so far. Don’t rely on your memory and don’t sign up for anything that isn’t on your list. Common expenses include: engagement party, shower, rehearsal dinner, honeymoon, rings, dresses, tuxedos, invitations, photography, flowers, transportation and favors.

Read full article here: How to Stick to a Wedding Budget

Ever splurged while on a diet? A recent study showed that dieters who enjoyed a controlled dose of dessert lost more weight than those who abstained. Jean Chatzky and Jim Prochaska suggest that spending money may work the same way. The key is control, and they offer the following caveats. A splurge doesn’t have to be huge; a small treat can be just as satisfying. Timing is important; too much of a good thing really can be too much, so don’t do it too often. Finally, give yourself permission for the occasional spending splurge, so guilt doesn’t make it worse.

Read full article here: Can a Spending Splurge Help You Reach Savings Success?

What could be better than you and your sweetie sharing wine and cheese in a beautiful natural locale? Myscha Theriault offers some tips to make your picnic perfect. Local parks can be a lovely choice, especially with spring flowers in full bloom. Picnics can be evening events as well, and a campfire for S’mores can be very romantic. Theiriault suggests a simple, traditional meal and beverages and says not to skimp on presentation, which might include a basket and pretty linens. Be creative when choosing a location, and it may become your favorite spot to go together. Who needs $50 tickets to an event?

Read full article here: Affordable Romantic Picnic Ideas

Marlene Alexander believes we’ve been brainwashed by advertisers, and she suggests we can save money and in some cases, help the environment, by making better choices in cleaning products. Alexander singles out pre-moistened cleaning cloths, (spray cleaner on your own) toilet cleaner (use powdered cleaners instead), Swiffer wet mops (one-use only), J-cloths ($1 microfiber cloths are better), window cleaner (use vinegar and water), and dryer sheets (smell good, but are unnecessary). Check your potential purchases for how often they can be used, how they impact the environment, and whether there’s a less expensive alternative.

Read full article here: Save Money by Leaving These Six Things off Your Weekly Grocery List