Some of my earliest posts were, in my opinion, my greatest. Of course, new blogs are infrequently visited and few people actually read my greatest opuses (well, maybe my posts weren’t that spectacular). However, the nice thing about having a blog that’s a few years old is going through old posts and reviving them – sort of like the idea of reincarnation; it’s new, but deja vu.

When I came upon this infographic and read the fine print, I realized I’ve been doing it all wrong! I’m supposed to define each category and allocate an amount (usually based on percents) first, then align my spending to fit that budget – or be “Pro-Active and tell my money where to go.”

Furnishing a home with wood furniture isn’t cheap. A simple wooden coffee table or bookcase can run a couple of hundred dollars. Yet, with a little creativity, some tools, and the right materials, wood furniture can be crafted to fit one’s needs. Simple, DIY furniture projects are in abundance online.

Rent or mortgage payments swallow up between 25 – 35% of a person’s or family’s income. That’s a huge chunk of dough, especially for a renter whose rent money is gone forever. In contrast, at least a home owner has the potential to earn some of that income back when they sell their home. But does that mean renters get the short end of the stick and will forever be financially inferior to a home owner? According to Suze Orman, not necessarily; it’s what you do with your extra income that matters.

Nannies face some unique financial issues, issues that must be considered when they’re thinking of how to care for their financial health. As you navigate your finances, here are some things to consider that will help you stay on the right track.