Are you wondering where your monthly paycheck is going? Then, you should track your financial activities and create a budget. But what is a budget?

Budgets keep track of income and expenses throughout a given period of time. Setting up a budget is vital for gaining financial oversight. Without a set spending plan, it's simple to go over budget and accumulate debt if you frequently use credit cards or loans to cover shortfalls.

Here’s an easy guide to get you started.

1. Find out what your Net Income is

Add up all of your earnings, or your gross income, and then deduct expenses like taxes, insurance, and retirement contributions.

2. Keep Track of your Spending

Record your spending every day and categorize your expenses. You can use an app or the traditional pen and paper to list your expenses.

3. Identify Realistic Goals

Identify both your short-term and long-term financial objectives. Determining them can encourage you to stay within your spending limits.

4. Prepare a Plan

This is where everything comes together. Ask yourself what you want to spend and compare it to your actual spending. It can help you redirect your money toward achieving your financial goals.

5. Adjust your Spending

If necessary, adjust your budget to prevent overspending and leave money for your goals. Every small money saved from several minor adjustments can accumulate over time.

6. Stay on top of your Budget

It's crucial to regularly check your budget and spending. There are a few elements that could change and you need to revisit the previous tips mentioned.

Overspending can ruin your finances and lead to debt. Maintaining a budget can help you control your financial situation.

The celebration of St. Patrick's Day on March 17 is associated with fun parades and all things green! It has been a religious feast in Ireland for more than a millennium. Besides, it was traditionally commemorated with religious feasts and ceremonies in honor of St. Patrick’s Death in 461. The tradition later transformed into a secular celebration of Irish culture after immigrants moved to the United States. Now, this holiday is celebrated in Canada, Australia, and throughout the United States.

St. Patrick is a missionary during the 5th century who brought Christianity to Ireland. He became a national apostle and the patron saint of Ireland in the 7th century. After his death, mythologies regarding his life surfaced and became part of the Irish culture. The most widely known myth surrounding St. Patrick is that he used the three leaves of the shamrock, an indigenous Irish clover, to describe the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

Fun Facts about St. Patrick's Day

There are many interesting facts and details linked to St. Patrick’s and his holiday. How many do you know?

• Patrick was born in Britain.
• The first parade of St. Patrick's Day happened in America.
• A St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York can take over five hours.
• Patrick's Day was not formally observed in Dublin until 1931.
• Green hadn't been officially tied to St. Patrick's Day until the year of the Irish Rebellion (1798).
• The color blue was originally associated with St. Patrick's.
• Many Irish-Americans in the US consume corned beef and cabbage.

There is no denying that people love the green holiday, regardless of traditions or history!

One might think retirement planning is still the same after so many years but only because it’s the same work, save, and retire process. Modern savers must contend with various difficulties that were not a concern for earlier generations. With life expectancy longer, bond yielding lower than in the past, and contribution plans facing market difficulties, there are many factors to consider.

Retirement Savings: How much do you need?

Determining the amount you need to save for retirement will rely on a variety of contextual circumstances, including an individual’s projected retirement age, annual income, what you want to do, the lifestyle you want, and where you plan to live.

Retirement experts advise pensioners to follow the 70% rule. It states that your retirement savings should replace 70% of your annual salary. There’s also the recommended 4% rule suggesting that to have a pleasant retirement, seniors must spend no more than 4% of their retirement funds annually. The retirement duration should also be kept in mind. Planning for 20 to 30 years is ideal, better to overestimate and ensure you'll have enough.

How to get started saving for retirememnt

The best time to start planning for retirement is in your late 30s and early 40s, but you can start as early as your 20s. The task will become much more challenging the longer you wait and the more money you'll need to set aside annually. Before you start, here are a few things you should keep in mind.

• Set a budget
• Automate transfers
• Set up an emergency account
• Repay your debts

There may be a lot to take care of and finalize but think about the life you want to live in retirement. It will all be worth it.

In order to stay in shape, we must do more than just eat right and exercise. A healthy lifestyle also involves maintaining good mental health, a positive attitude, and a strong sense of self. But where do you start? What is the best approach to achieving a healthier version of yourself?

The simple adjustments you can make right now can lead to positive changes down the road. Keep a slow and steady approach. Begin by identifying bad habits and taking action to address and change them. Starting new and healthier habits is challenging but if you stick to them, they will easily become a part of your daily routine.

There are many health programs out there that promise a long list of results but require you to follow a complicated routine. It can be overwhelming and confusing. Instead of doing many things at once, it is better to focus on small steps and build habits.

The Power of Simple Changes

Drastically changing everything is too much for anyone and you are setting yourself up for failure. Make small changes that are positive and easy to implement. Here are some steps you can take to better health.

• Drink plenty of water
• Cut back on alcohol
• Do physical activities
• Reduce processed food consumption
• Add colorful fruits and vegetables to your diet
• Have healthy meal plans
• Get adequate sleep
• Limit screen time

One of the most challenging aspects of starting new habits is sticking to them. Track your progress and overcome roadblocks by reminding yourself why you want to be healthy. Don’t forget to reward yourself for every milestone. Opt for rewards that won’t affect the progress you’ve made. And lastly, have fun!

As the temperatures drop, we want to stay under a warm blanket and drink a hot beverage. Then you realize you need to work out. But with the cold weather, the temptation to go into hibernation mode is strong.

Why work out during winter?

When you overcome the “Let’s just wait until it’s sunny” mentality and brave the cold, you will discover some surprising benefits of exercising in winter. And we don’t mean simply taking your work out session indoors.

Exercising in the cold provides some gains you cannot get during the summer months. This includes:

• Increased endurance
• Improved heart health
• Boosting your immune system
• Burning more fat and calories
• Better mood & protection against Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Getting a good dose of Vitamin D

Staying active during the winter is possible in several ways. Go for a brisk walk around your neighborhood, run a few miles in the park, go roller skating, sledding, skiing, or snowboarding. If you don’t want to stay outside too long, you can do yoga, pilates, or boxing. Anything to keep you moving counts as a workout!

Exercising Safely in The Cold

Before going into your winter exercise routine, it is crucial to plan ahead and prepare accordingly. This is non-negotiable if you want a safe and healthy exercise session in the cold weather. Here’s a checklist for you:

• Wear layers of clothing
• Apply sunscreen
• Opt for shoes with good traction
• Keep your hands, feet, and ears warm
• Drink plenty of water
• Choose a safe route
• Don't forget your phone
• Warm-up and cool-down

After reading all these tips, you are now prepared to start your winter exercise and reap great rewards.

Celebrate a fun Valentine's Day with your partner! But how? As this celebration continues year after year, you may run out of ideas. If you want something different from roses and chocolates, this list can help!

1. Bookstore Date

Bookworms will surely love the idea of going to the bookstore, checking out the new releases, and picking out a book your significant other might love reading.

2. Write A Bucket List

What are the things you want to accomplish this year as a couple? It can be as simple as going to the gym together, getting a dog, or finally owning that dream house.

3. Cook Together

Instead of ordering food or eating out, why not cook your meals together or have a cook-off? You can bake cookies or whip up a dinner menu.

4. Breakfast In Bed

Breakfast made with love and served on the bed is the perfect way to start the day.

5. Recreate Your First Date

Take a moment to relive your first date, from the location to the outfits you wore, and even how weird you acted. It is also the perfect time to propose if you have plans.

6. Write A Love Letter

Put your love into words your partner can read over and over again. It’ll be a special keepsake, a reminder of your love for each other.

7. Attend A Concert

Do you have a similar passion for a band or singer, and they are performing near you? Grab two tickets and make it a date night idea!

Whatever ideas you plan on using in this list, the fact that you prepared it with your partner in mind is enough to make Valentine’s Day romantic and memorable.