On the journey to financial independence, you need fuel to keep your motivation high and your goals in sight.
Five of my favorite money blogs offer inspiration, useful tips and sage advice to help you work toward your goals and avoid common mistakes along the way. The blogs are:
At Get Rich Slowly, www.getrichslowly.org, a group of writers share their insights about getting out of debt and moving toward financial security.
Time magazine awarded Get Rich Slowly its Best Blog Award, and Money magazine has named it the most inspiring money blog. The site offers a treasure trove of practical advice about topics ranging from investing to saving to reviews of personal-finance tools. It is an indispensable companion on your quest for financial freedom.
Wise Bread, www.wisebread.com, shares inventive strategies for successful living on a small budget.
In addition to tips about managing personal finances, this community of bloggers provide all kinds of do-it-yourself solutions to save you money.
For example, in the blog’s Frugal Living section, the feature “8 DIYs For a Sparkling Clean Bathroom” offers directions for making your own toilet bomb fizzies and counter wipes. Such ingenious, money-saving ideas can reduce your expenses on everyday needs. Over time, small savings like this can add up and reduce stress.
At 20somethingfinance, www.20somethingfinance.com, G.E. Miller shares his journey from in-debt college graduate to financially responsible adult. No longer in his 20s, he dispenses advice about everything from taxes to investing to health care.
Miller provides an impressive list of recommended financial products and services, which he has broken down by category. Before making your next financial move, consult this comprehensive site for guidance.
For an inspiring and practical dose of wisdom, check out The Simple Dollar, www.thesimpledollar.com.
In 2006, Trent Hamm learned a few things when he went from financial meltdown to debt-free in eight months. Through his blog, he helps people get started and stay on course in their quest to be debt-free.
I love his 14 money rules: spend less than you earn; don’t overthink your investments; stop wasting time; eliminate (and avoid) high-interest debt; talk about money (and be honest); stop trying to impress other people; watch your progress (but make it fun); take care of your things; do it yourself; plan ahead every time you spend; find and work toward your true passions; build real friendships and relationships; improve yourself every chance you get; give without strings or regrets.
Luke Landes, known as Flexo, launched Consumerism Commentary, www.consumerismcommentary.com, in 2003 as a way to hold himself financially accountable.
Now, you can use his site as a way to hold yourself accountable. One feature has people track their household expenses publicly as a method of accountability. He also offers plenty of tips and reviews. His blog has a robust education section focusing on paying for a college education.
I promise you these resources will stoke your desire to reach your financial goals. Give them a look and pick what works best for you.
Durango resident and personal finance coach Matt Kelly owns Momentum: Personal Finance. www.personalfinancecoaching.com.
