Financial and Lifestyle Resources for Vermont

Are you one of the 92 million Americans likely making a financial New Year’s resolution for 2022? There are many financial resolutions that you can make, depending on your situation. But making them is easy; it’s keeping them that is hard. Don’t give up already, though. There are a few universal ways to make this year different (really!). No matter what your financial goals are, here are six tips for following through in 2022.

I don’t know about you, but I haven’t started my holiday shopping yet (even though Black Friday deals have been circulating for weeks, somehow). What better time to start than Small Business Saturday? Not only will you avoid supply chain issues, you are also supporting local stores and small business owners right here in Vermont. I asked around my office for my colleagues’ favorite hometown stores to support and compiled this categorized list of Vermont businesses. Join me in shopping locally on Small Business Saturday and throughout the holiday season!

There is something incredibly satisfying about not paying full price. Take the eight pints of Ben & Jerry’s currently in my freezer—how could I not take advantage of “buy two, get two free”? Finding deals and discounts can feel even more important for your holiday shopping, when you want to stretch your budget and find everyone on your list that special gift. In addition to Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals (already underway for many retailers!), here are a few different ways that you can find coupons and promo codes to save money when you purchase that perfect gift. Even better, you can use these resources year-round—including for yourself!

Many people (myself included!) are itching to travel again. But it isn’t just the pandemic that prevents people from going abroad. A lot of would-be travelers don’t plan trips abroad for fears unrelated to COVID-19. Here are eight of the most common causes of travel anxiety—and ways you can reduce your fear for each one to take that trip across international borders.

Have you ever dreamed of retiring early and going swimming with tropical fishes? Are you simply looking to increase your savings? Mr. Money Mustache is a finance blogger who writes about how he and his wife managed to retire in his 30s by lowering their expenses and saving 50% of their income. But how? Here are five of his tips to help you cut costs, save money, and achieve financial independence that much sooner—whether you want to go snorkeling or have any other retirement plans or financial goals.

Getting a new job is exciting. Finding a new job? Not so much. If you’ve experienced anything like my six-month job search in Vermont, the process can get stressful, tedious, and exhausting. But there are ways to make it easier. Now that pandemic restrictions have eased, Vermont’s job market is finally opening up and employers are actually struggling to find workers. From firsthand experience, here are some of my personal tips for finding a job.

April is Financial Literacy Month, and I’m taking the concept very literally with some finance book recommendations. There are many books on finance out there, of course, but here are a few of the best books about personal finance, money management, and our financial system that I’ve read.

Buying a home is one of the largest financial decisions you’ll make, if not the largest. As a result, it can be a complicated, time-consuming, and stressful process. Though it might not feel like it during your search, eventually the right home will appear, your offer will be accepted, and you’ll find yourself in contract to buy a house. (Having just become a first-time homeowner after a year-long search, this is a promise I feel comfortable making.) While it is a relief to finally be under contract, you’re not quite out of the woods. Here is what you can plan to do between going into contract and closing on your new home.