Category Budget

Sep 27 2025

SHOULD YOU REFRESH YOUR BUDGET?

Whether you have been budgeting for a month, a year, or longer, a regular review of your spending plan is vital.  Several situations may indicate a need for a revised budget; these include:

  • Worrying about money emergencies. Be sure your budget includes savings to create an emergency fund for unexpected expenses.
  • Using the same budget each month. Spending needs are likely to change from month to month, as a result slight changes might be necessary.
  • Not tracking expenses. A record of your actual spending is vital for budgeting success. 
  • Overspending in a budget category. Be sure your plan is realistic and helps you avoid unneeded spending.
  • Avoiding a “sharing” category. The SPEND, SAVE, SHARE framework is a recommended approach. Giving to church, charities, and worthy causes contributes to living a fulfilled life and contentment.
  • A major change in income. A raise should not result in lifestyle inflation in which you significantly expand your spending. Or, a loss of job can result in an extensive budget adjustment along with use of emergency funds. Your emphasis will likely be on spending for food, utilities, shelter and transportation.
  • Not considering inflation. Most people have been affected by rising costs of many items requiring an adjustment in budgeted amounts.
  • Overlooking annual and seasonal expenses. Planning for holidays, vacations, back-to-school expenses, and semiannual auto insurance requires setting aside an amount each month for those items. Not doing so may result in increased debt or using your emergency fund for something that is not an emergency.
  • Planning for funds from paid off debt. As you pay off credit cards and loans, those monthly payments can now be used to expand your emergency fund and other savings goals.
  • Not coordinating budget items with savings goals. If your spending and saving activities are not helping you achieve your financial goals, a revised budget may be needed.

For additional information on refreshing your budget, click here.

Teaching Suggestions

  • Have students talk to others to learn actions used for successful budgeting.
  • Have students research budgeting apps that could help them better plan their money management activities.

Discussion Questions 

  1. What features of an app might be helpful for successful budgeting activities?
  2. Describe actions that might be taken when a person needs to revise their budget.   
May 17 2025

MAKING ENDS MEET

A study conducted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) reported that overall financial stability and well-being worsened from 2023 to 2024. The findings of the surveys included:

  • Fewer households can cover a month of expenses if they lose their main source of income. If the main source of income were lost, 42 percent of households could cover expenses for a month or less; 22 percent would be able to cover expenses for less than two weeks.
  • More households had difficulty paying bills or expenses. The share of families with these difficulties increased from 38 percent in 2023 to 43 percent in 2024.  38 percent of non-Hispanic white consumers in the study had difficulty paying bills or expenses, 63 percent of Black consumers in the study had difficulty, and 51 percent of Hispanic consumers in the study had difficulty.  
  • Financial well-being measured using the CFPB’s Financial Well-Being Scale declined.  Overall financial well-being fell to 48.7 in 2024 from 51.0 in 2023. The number of consumers with low or very low financial well-being increased from 16 to 22 percent.
  • Access to credit was also difficult for some. In 2024, 40 percent of consumers in the study applied for credit. Of those who applied, 39 percent were either denied credit or approved for a lower amount than requested. In addition, 27 percent decided not to apply because they expected to be turned down.
  • The use of credit card debt fell slightly. In 2024, 80 percent of consumers in the study had a credit card. Of those consumers, the share with revolving credit card debt decreased slightly from 53 percent in 2023 to 49 percent in 2024. Meanwhile, 23 percent of consumers with a credit card reported paying a late fee, unchanged since 2023.
  • Many respondents use multiple credit sources. About half of those in the study used a payday or pawn loan in the past year and had a credit card. About four-fifths of survey respondents had an auto title loan, buy-now-pay-later loan, or experienced an overdraft, and had a credit card.

The financial deterioration reported in this study was not the result of one specific cause. Factors that may have contributed to the situation include inflation, housing costs, high interest rates, and student loan payment resumption.

For additional information on making ends meet, see the following links.

Making Ends Meet Insights
Making Ends Meet Report
Well Being Scale

Teaching Suggestions

  • Have students interview another person about the actions taken to avoid financial difficulties.
  • Have students access the full research study to obtain additional findings and to suggest actions that might address the financial difficulties.

Discussion Questions 

  1. How might a person make use of family members, friends, and community resources when encountering financial difficulties?
  2. Describe actions a person might take to avoid the financial difficulties reported in this study.
Mar 1 2025

USE THE NUDGE THEORY TO CUT SPENDING

  • Useless spending can crush your savings goals.
  • The easier it is to spend money, the more likely you will spend it. 
  • Making things difficult can actually be a good thing.
  • Small changes can result in significant improvements over time.

These principles make up the nudge theory, which suggests that behavior can be shaped through small, subtle changes. Making spending harder can discourage spending and increase your financial awareness to achieve savings goals.

Adding friction to your spending activities can force you to make more deliberate purchases. To nudge your savings by reducing spending, consider the following actions:

  • Only pay cash for several weeks or months. The inconvenience of obtaining cash and keeping track of it for payments can reduce spending on frivolous items. Seeing cash in your hand can also make you more aware of its value.
  • To be more disciplined, write out a list of purchases on paper or using a notes app. While this can be annoying, it can result in immediately having more money for savings.
  • Account for all spending to avoid wasting money on silly and useless things such as empty calories and products you may not use.
  • Before making a credit card purchase, check your current account balance to help deter unneeded purchases and increased debt. 

These strategies are useful for those who are concerned about their spending and who live paycheck to paycheck. While companies make every effort to remove barriers for your spending, don’t make it simple for your money to leave you…put up obstacles.

This approach may not be for everyone. However, taking some action might save you $1,000 a year, which over ten years could be worth over $15,000 when the money is placed in an index fund or other stable investment.

For additional information on the nudge theory, click here.

Teaching Suggestions

  • Have students talk to others to obtain suggested actions for controlling their spending.
  • Have students create a podcast to communicate actions to control spending.

Discussion Questions 

  1. What aspects of the nudge theory might be useful for your money management activities?
  2. Describe actions a person might take to place barriers on their spending.   

Feb 15 2025

Plan ahead for the New Year

For many, December means spending lots of money on presents, food, travel, and other things to get you through the end of the year. And after we stretch our wallets, January’s often for taking stock and planning for the year to come.

If that’s true for you, here are some things to hopefully save you time as you transition from holiday festivities to financial goals in the New Year.

Are you:

Looking for more? The FTC’s consumer.gov site has tools to help you in the New Year and beyond. Get the basics on these and other topics like avoiding scams and identity theft at consumer.gov in English, Spanish, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, and Vietnamese. You’ll also find videos and free, one-page handouts to share in your community. 

For more information, click here.

Teaching Suggestions:

  • Ask students to get their free credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, and sign up for free credit monitoring with Credit Sesame or Credit Karma.
  • Ask students to list the main steps in creating a budget.  What are commonly recommended qualities of a successful budget?

Discussion Questions:

  1.  Why is it important to check your credit reports regularly?
  2.  What are the most frequent reasons for indebtedness?
  3.  What are common danger signals of potential debt problems?
Jun 10 2023

BUDGETING AND SAVING WITH “CASH STUFFING”

Before credit cards, debit cards, and apps, people used budget envelopes to see where their money was going. Today, a variation called cash stuffing is being used by many, especially young people who became familiar with the system through online videos. This system is helping people cope with inflation and other financial difficulties by controlling their spending.

The main benefits of cash stuffing are: (1) increased spending awareness; (2) reduced credit card use to prevent debt; (3) controlled spending – once cash is gone for a budget item, you can’t spend any more – which can result in higher amounts for saving; (4) improved budgeting for holiday spending, birthday gifts, and children’s school activities; and (5) decreased stress with a greater sense of financial control.

Possible drawbacks of cash stuffing include: (1) the danger of lost or stolen cash; (2) the time needed to withdraw, sort, and organize cash into envelopes; (3) the temptation to overspend by moving cash to other budget items; and (4) lost interest by not having the money in a bank account.

When using cash stuffing, consider these steps:

1. Allocate your income, based on recent spending patterns, into budget categories, including fixed expenses, variable expenses, debt repayment, and savings.  

2. Label envelopes, folders, or a pocket portfolio with your spending categories.

3. Each payday, obtain cash to place into each category.

4. As you spend money for each category, be sure the envelope doesn’t become empty before the end of the month.

5. Repeat this process each month; adjust amounts as your needs and spending changes.

Paying cash for everything is often not practical, such as online payments for rent, utilities, or other items. Instead, consider a hybrid or blended method, in which you use cash stuffing for only some spending areas. This would allow you to make online payments and earn interest on money on deposit while controlling spending for some budget categories. Also consider budgeting apps that simulate envelopes so you can visually see how your money is being spent.

Other items to note when using cash stuffing:

  • Consider starting small, using the system for three or four budget items for which you would like to better control.
  • Be safe in keeping and carrying large amounts of cash. You might use slips of paper or play money (that you can buy online) in your budget envelopes, which will still give a tangible experience.
  • Search for “cash stuffing” online videos. These often feature colorful, personalized cash binders with compartments labeled for different categories — such as rent, food, savings and sinking funds. 
  • Make a commitment. Cash stuffing will not stop you from overspending. You must commit to only spending the amount you set. Use the system you create to be able to trust yourself.

For additional information on cash stuffing,

Link #1

Link #2

Teaching Suggestions

  • Have students talk to two or three others to learn about the budgeting systems they use to control their spending.
  • Have students create a visual (poster, slide presentation, or video) with suggestions for effective budgeting.

Discussion Questions 

  1. What benefits and difficulties are associated with cash stuffing (budget envelopes)?
  2. Describe actions a person might take to effectively use cash stuffing. 
Dec 17 2022

Personal Finance Simulations for Budgeting and Investing

Question:  What is a Personal Finance simulation? 

Answer:  A Personal Finance simulation allows students to fine-tune their decisions when they encounter real-life scenarios while taking a Personal Finance course. 

The authors of Personal Finance, 14e and Focus on Personal Finance, 7e have partnered with StockTrak.com to provide students with an interactive learning experience before they leave the classroom.   

The simulation that accompanies the Kapoor Personal Finance texts includes two components–a personal budgeting simulation and an investing simulation.

The Budgeting Simulation

  • Students assume the role of a full-time employee or part-time employee living on their own.
  • Over a virtual 12-month period, students review their estimated income and expenses, create monthly budgets and savings goals, and try to build an emergency fund. Each month takes about 20 minutes to complete.
  • Each month students manage their checking, savings, and credit card accounts as they deal with life’s expected and unexpected events that affect their budget.  
  • Within the simulation, additional personal finance tutorials are available to make sure students are learning about budgeting, banking, credit, employment, taxes, insurance, and more.
  • A class ranking based on net worth, credit score, and quality of life keep the students fully engaged and professors informed of each student’s progress.

The Investing Simulation

  • Students receive a virtual $25,000 in a brokerage account.
  • They can research U.S. stocks, ETFs, bonds and mutual funds and create their own investment portfolio.
  • All investment trades are based on real-time market prices.
  • Within the simulation, interactive tutorials help students get started and provide additional information during the simulation.
  • Students can monitor their performance versus their classmates.  At the same time, professors can track each student’s progress.

And BEST of ALL, with the new partnership between Stock-Trak and McGraw Hill, classes using the Kapoor Personal Finance textbook get a 50% savings when students register for the simulation – only $9.99 per student instead of retail price of $19.99.

Teaching Suggestions

  • Visit StockTrak.com/kapoor to learn more about the Personal Finance Budgeting and Investing Simulation.  You can learn even more by watching a short video or accessing the Kapoor demo materials located toward the bottom of the above site. 
  • It’s easy to get started.  All you need to do is access the above site, register your classes for Spring 2023, and indicate the dates you want your student to have access to the Personal Finance Simulation.  The site will generate a unique link for you to give to your students.
Jul 2 2022

MORE HAPPINESS FROM YOUR FINANCES

At some point, most people realize that “money can’t buy happiness.”  However, through wise use of your financial resources, reduced stress and increased joy are possible.

To enhance your personal enjoyment and satisfaction of life, consider these questions and actions:

  • What spending from the past year do you remember with a smile? Which did you regret? Use those memories to guide current spending.
  • When during your life were you happiest? Think about what made you happy, and if money was needed for those times.
  • What household chores do you dislike? Paying others to mow the lawn, clean house, or make dinner can increase happiness.
  • Should you consider spending more time with family and friends?  Most activities and experiences provide greater joy when you do them with others.
  • Do you live near or associate with people who make you feel poor?  Avoid comparing your spending and possession to others. Trying to spend to keep up with others will likely reduce your happiness.
  • Are you grateful for things that don’t cost money?  Emphasize an attitude of gratitude for your family, friends, community activities, and other relationships. Instead of thinking about what you don’t have, stress the opportunities available for your enjoyment of life.

For additional information on happiness and money, click here.

Teaching Suggestions

  • Have students talk to others using the questions above to learn more about the connection between money and happiness.
  • Have students create an audio or video drama to communicate the positive and negative aspects of money trying to buy happiness.

Discussion Questions 

  1. How do enjoyment, satisfaction, and purpose in your life connect to your spending habits?
  2. Describe actions a person might take to better understand the connection between money and happiness.
Jul 31 2021

Family lending and borrowing

It is natural to turn to people close to you for help when you need it and to want to help others. However, sometimes unclear communication or misunderstandings can cause strain on your relationships and unnecessary financial hardship

Informal money arrangements among friends and family are very common.  Research has shown that as many as one in five U.S. adults receive financial support from friends or family, and up to one in three U.S. adults provides support to others. During times of crisis, these support networks can provide timely help.

Discussing financial arrangements among friends and family can help reduce strain. It may feel awkward to have a frank conversation, but remember the goal is to come up with an arrangement that works for everyone involved. This will help prevent more difficult conversations later. Below are a series of questions that can help you work together to solve problems and maintain strong relationships.

Asking someone if you can borrow or share their resources

Before you approach your friend or family member with your need or request, take a short time to think through all of the information you need to share and what the results could be of your request. You should be ready to provide clear answers about your situation. This can help you have a better conversation – and potentially a better outcome for your finances and your relationship. Ask yourself:

  • What exactly am I asking for?
  • Do I have other ways to meet those needs?
  • How would my relationship to this person change if they agree – or if they turn me down?
  • Do I have the ability to pay this person back?

Be realistic, and be honest with yourself, and the other person.

Has someone asked you for money or support?

Before you respond to a friend or relative who asks you to share or lend resources, pause to think it through first. Ask yourself the questions below, and then see if you need to clarify your understanding with the other person:

  • Am I being asked to give a gift that will not be paid back, or provide a loan that will be paid back?
  • How could this affect my own money situation, in the short and long term?
  • How would my relationship to this person change if I agree – or if I turn them down?
  • If it is a loan, what happens if they don’t pay it back?
  • If it is a loan, do I need it to be paid back with money, or are there other ways to be repaid – for example, can I accept other services like childcare, transportation, or something else in exchange?

Again, be realistic, and honest with yourself and the other person.

 If you can, write out what everyone has agreed to and give everyone a copy to refer to later. Whether you write it down or not, your agreement should answer the following questions:

  • Who is providing what (money, time, services, or something else) to whom?
  • How much, how often, and for how long?
  • Is this a one-time exchange, or happening on a regular basis?
  • How and when will the lender be repaid?
  • When will the arrangement be considered done?
  • When or how often will you check in with each other?
  • What happens if circumstances change?

For more information, click here.

Teaching Suggestions:

  • Under what circumstances should you borrow from family members or friends?
  • Ask students if they have borrowed or have lent money to family members or friends.  If so, let them share their experiences.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do loans from family or friends complicate family relationships?  Explain.
  2. Why should all loans to or from a family members be in writing and state the interest rate, if any, repayment schedule, and the final payment date.
Jul 17 2021

FINTECH AND FINANCIAL WELLNESS

MoneyLion offers a low-cost financial service tool that integrates investing, banking, lending, and financial wellness. Using the brand name RoarMoney, the company also offers a virtual debit card for contactless payments and Instacash with a free overdraft service.  With Money Lion’s Shake N’ Bank program, customers earn cash every time they spend $10 or more with their bank card. To determine the amount they get back, users literally shake their phones and a random amount up to $120 shows up.

To guide financial wellness, the Financial Heartbeat program of MoneyLion rates customers from 1 to 10 on these categories:

1) Save measures financial preparedness; how well a person can pay expected and unexpected expenses. 

2) Spend measures purchasing in relation income available.

3) Shield determines how well you understand and organize your insurance needs and coverages.

4) Score creates a Bottom of Formcredit score to assess overall credit health based on debt usage and interest rates paid.

For additional information on FinTech and financial wellness, click here.

Teaching Suggestions

  • Have students talk to others to learn about the features of banking and money management apps they have used.
  • Have students create a visual proposal (poster or slide presentation) for an app that would help people better manage their money and improve their financial wellness.

Discussion Questions 

  1. What features of an app or FinTech product might help people improve their financial wellness?
  2. Describe actions a person might take to evaluate an app or FinTech product.  

Jul 3 2021

STIMULUS CHECKS USE

As a result of the economic difficulties during the COVID pandemic, many Americans received government stimulus checks. These payments were designed to minimize or avoid financial difficulties.  

Recipients of the first two stimulus checks used the majority of funds for daily living expenses with food and utilities as the top items. Those who received the third check had some significant changes in their use of the money.  An increased portion was used to pay off debt and for savings, including money set aside for an emergency fund. This trend indicated that many households experienced improved financial stability. However, among lower-income groups the third stimulus check was still needed for monthly bills and day-to-day essentials.  

People continue to be in need of a cash cushion. Financial advisors recommend using money from stimulus checks or tax refunds to pay off high-interest debt and for an increased savings account.  While many households have are better off than they’ve ever been and improving further, millions of others face ongoing financial hardship.  

For additional information on stimulus check use, click here.

Teaching Suggestions

  • Have students talk to those who received stimulus checks to obtain information how the money was used.
  • Have students describe a research system that might be used to determine the spending, saving, investing, and credit use habits of various groups of consumers.

Discussion Questions 

  1. What are reasons people are unable or unwilling to practice wise money management?
  2. Describe actions that might be taken to prepare for unexpected financial difficulties.