Commit. Plan. Take action.
So you’re not convinced that you need a budget? You think that a budget is a good strategy for someone else, but it’s not necessary for you.
You might go from month to month with more than a few dollars left in your checking account. Maybe you don’t have a problem covering your expenses each month.
For the first four years of our marriage, my husband and I were like that, too. [Read more…]
If you’re a fan of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, you’re in for a treat! In no specific order, Here are 14 classic-style JRPG games that capture the essence of Eiyuden’s nostalgic charm. From turn-based battles to rich character dynamics, these titles offer a delightful journey through fantastical worlds. Dive into the classics like Chrono Trigger, where a fun cast and exploration await. Or venture into the dark and gripping world of Persona 3 Reload, which balances heavy moments with lightheartedness. And don’t miss out on the expansive Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest series, both filled with gems for JRPG enthusiasts. Let’s give in.
Chained Echoes is a 16-bit style RPG set in a fantasy world where dragons are as common as piloted mechanical suits. Players take up their sword, channel magic, or board a Mech to explore a land filled with charming characters, fantastic landscapes, and vicious foes. The game features fast-paced turn-based battles, no random encounters (enemies can be seen running around), and tons of items to loot, steal, or craft. Customize your own airship and travel by foot or in your Mech.
In Rune Factory 3 Special, players take on the role of Micah, a young adventurer with a monstrous secret. The game combines life-sim elements with RPG gameplay as you farm, fight, and fall in love. Explore a vibrant world, master various weapons, and uncover the mysteries of your past. The game features an engaging storyline, memorable characters, and a mix of combat and farming mechanics.
Sea of Stars is a turn-based RPG set in the world of Solistia. Players control eight new travelers, each with unique origins, motivations, and skills. The game’s HD-2D graphics blend retro pixel art with 3DCG, creating a visually stunning experience. Explore diverse cultures, navigate busy sea routes, and uncover the industries of a new era. Every path is yours to take in this exciting adventure.
Persona 3 follows a group of high school students coping with death in a world surrounded by it. They form SEES (Special Extracurricular Execution Squad) to investigate the mysterious Dark Hour. During this time, they explore Tartarus, a tower filled with Shadows. Each SEES member can summon a Persona to fight these creatures. The game combines traditional RPG elements with simulation gameplay, balancing daily life and battling Shadows.
Octopath Traveler 2 is the direct sequel to the original game. Set in the world of Solistia, it features eight new travelers, each with their own tales. The game continues the HD-2D graphics style, blending pixel art and 3DCG. Explore a vibrant setting, uncover individual character stories, and decide whose path to follow. It’s an adventure where every choice matters.
Bravely Default is a turn-based RPG that combines classic gameplay with modern enhancements. Set in the world of Luxendarc, players follow the journey of four heroes seeking to restore balance to the elemental crystals. The game features a unique “Brave” and “Default” combat system, job classes, and a captivating story filled with twists and turns. Customize your party, explore dungeons, and uncover the secrets of the crystals.
CrossCode is an action RPG set in a futuristic MMO world. Players control Lea, an avatar who has lost her memory. Explore diverse environments, solve puzzles, and engage in real-time combat. The game pays homage to classic 16-bit RPGs while offering a fresh experience. Unravel Lea’s past, level up, and uncover the truth behind the game’s virtual reality.
These games are part of the Trails series, known for their intricate world-building, character development, and political intrigue. Set in the continent of Zemuria, players follow various protagonists as they navigate conflicts, uncover conspiracies, and build relationships. Expect turn-based battles, rich storytelling, and a vast interconnected universe.
Cosmic Star Heroine is a retro-inspired sci-fi RPG. Players control Alyssa L’Salle, a galactic spy framed for treason. The game features turn-based combat, unique abilities, and a futuristic setting. Explore planets, recruit allies, and unravel a conspiracy that threatens the galaxy. The game pays homage to classic RPGs while adding its own twists.
Lost Sphear is an RPG by Tokyo RPG Factory. Players take on the role of Kanata, who discovers the power to restore lost memories and reshape the world. The game features a seamless blend of real-time exploration and turn-based combat. Rebuild a disappearing world, uncover forgotten memories, and save your hometown from vanishing. The game’s melancholic piano melodies, composed by Tomoki Miyoshi, enhance the emotional journey as you unravel the mysteries of the lost phenomenon.
Super Mario RPG is a classic collaboration between Nintendo and Square Enix. Join Mario, Princess Peach, and Bowser on an epic quest to rescue the princess from the clutches of Smithy. The game combines platforming elements with turn-based battles, quirky characters, and humor. Explore the Mushroom Kingdom, defeat bosses, and collect the seven Star Pieces. Also enjoy hidden secrets, like the famous “Culex” optional boss, and enjoy the delightful blend of Mario’s world with RPG mechanics.
STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R is an enhanced version of the classic RPG. Players choose between two protagonists, Rena and Claude, as they explore planets, engage in real-time battles, and unravel a galactic mystery. The game offers multiple endings, character recruitment, and a rich sci-fi/fantasy narrative.
Trials of Mana is a remake of the classic action RPG. Choose from six protagonists, each with their own story, and embark on a quest to prevent the resurrection of the Benevodons. The game features real-time combat, class changes, and a colorful world to explore. Uncover the secrets of Mana and shape the fate of the world.
I am Setsuna is a melancholic RPG inspired by classic JRPGs. Players follow Setsuna, a young girl chosen as a sacrifice to appease monsters. The game features turn-based combat, snowy landscapes, and a piano-based soundtrack. Dive into a tale of sacrifice, friendship, and redemption as you journey with Setsuna.
Final Fantasy 9 returns in a remastered edition. Join Zidane and his band of misfit heroes as they uncover a grand conspiracy involving crystals, kingdoms, and powerful artifacts. The game features turn-based battles, memorable characters, and a rich fantasy world. Rediscover the magic of Gaia in this beloved classic.
Live A Live is a 1994 RPG developed and published by Square for the Super Famicom. The game was later remade by Square Enix, first releasing on the Nintendo Switch in 2022, followed by versions for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows in 2023. In Live A Live, players explore seven distinct scenarios set across different time periods, each with its own unique protagonist. The narratives are linked by the recurring antagonist, Odio. Gameplay involves both exploration with story-specific twists and turn-based combat played out on a grid.
We hope your enjoyed our selections. In summary, this curated list of classic-style JRPGs offers a wealth of captivating adventures. Whether you’re exploring ancient dungeons, forging bonds with quirky characters, or unraveling epic narratives, these games provide a delightful escape. Classic JRPGs are like a warm cup of tea on a rainy day—feel-good, relaxing, and ready to whisk you away to fantastical realms. Lets hear what are your favorite classic-style JRPGs.
Let’s face facts — Americans face some of the highest healthcare costs in the world. The average American spends over $10,000 per year on healthcare. That’s no small number, and many people struggle to make ends meet because of these expenses.
For many people, the high cost of healthcare means you either need to take on new debt, pull from savings, or just hope you get better. Financial stress like these can make things worse by impacting your physical health. The good news is that there are steps that you can take right now to reduce the impact of healthcare on your wallet.
My husband and I haven’t ever really celebrated Valentine’s Day in the past. Early on in our relationship, our finances were an absolute mess and we were homeless together. While that’s thankfully no longer the case, we’ve always looked at it for what it was: a retail holiday. However, with our little one becoming more aware of holidays and other things, this year was a bit different. Honestly, this Valentine’s Day was great for our family and fantastic for our marriage.
In the past, as I mentioned above, Valentine’s Day was typically a day that came and went without any fuss. Of course, we’d both say “Happy Valentine’s Day,” give the other one a kiss and go about our days. That’s not any different from any other day throughout the year though.
Our reasons for this varied. We had a lot of past relationship trauma from previous partners that made the holiday hard to enjoy. Not to mention, there were several years when celebrating some in-between holiday was not possible. We were broke and there was no room in the budget for any of it.
On top of that, Valentine’s Day always felt like a big deal for nothing. I’m not something who wants to be showered in flowers or candy – neither is he. We both enjoy more practical gifts and don’t like to buy into retail holidays (unless we are cashing in on the sales afterwards).
This year was a little bit different though, all thanks to my husband.
The past couple of weeks have been tremendously stressful in our household. My husband and I are both working on multiple projects at our jobs. Our little one is cutting more teeth and, to top it off, our dog got very sick. After a few months of health issues myself, everything piling up made the world feel like it was on fire.
Being the man he is, my husband knew how to turn that around, at least a little bit. He snuck out of the house during the day, grabbed me some roses and grabbed our daughter a small present. We both got little Reese’s candies. Then, he revealed he’d planned to order dinner in so that I didn’t have to stress over dinner after a busy workday.
In truth, it was absolutely perfect. It was a nice pick-me-up from the weeks and months of stress piling up. Even more than that, the gesture brought a spark back into our marriage that I hadn’t realized fizzled to begin with.
All of this to say, if you’re against V-Day, I understand. But don’t let a single day go by without telling your spouse you love them or making some small gesture to brighten their days. Don’t go way out of your budget or do anything crazy, but the smallest things can make a huge difference.
We’re people that celebrate Valentine’s Day now. What about you? Do you celebrate?
Throughout my entire pregnancy, I practiced yoga. I went to two or three classes every week up until I gave birth and it became something I really enjoyed. I was eager to practice again once my doctor cleared me for physical activity. There were so many awesome poses that I just simply couldn’t do with a nine-month prego belly (and others that just weren’t safe while I was pregnant). So, at the beginning of the year I set up one-on-one yoga sessions with my instructor/friend.
My goal for my practice? Headstands.
I’ll preface this by saying I practice with a YogaFaith instructor. My first true goal when I roll out my yoga mat is to get closer to God. I usually bring a Bible verse with me to think about while I hold poses and breathe. This has brought me a lot of peace over the last year or so. My time on my mat is time to spend with Jesus and time to spend with myself.
As I’m sure you know if you have followed the blog for a while, I am a fan of reflecting. Yoga is a chance to do that in a quiet, supportive environment while also working towards a physical goal. For me, my 2022 yoga practice is focused on the idea of grace. One of the verses I’ve been bringing to my practice is this…
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. – Hebrews 4:16
Do I always feel confident or graceful when attempting a pose that demands balance? Absolutely not. There are times I feel like a newborn baby gazelle who can’t use its legs properly. When I lay those insecurities at the feet of Jesus, I can do anything. I am full of His grace.
I’m about five one-on-one sessions into my practice for the year. I have already made huge strides in what I wanted to do. My balance is improving, the connection between my breath and the way my body moves is there.
What many people don’t realize is that, while yoga does take a certain amount of strength, much of that strength comes from focusing your energy inward. When I put my shoulders into the inverted yoga chair and kicked my legs up for my first assisted headstand, it was amazing! I decided to take that energy and focus and discover other places where it could positively impact my life.
As I said, doing a headstand takes a lot of focus, but you also have to be extremely self-aware. Your body will always let you know when you should stop when it comes to exercise, stretching, etc. Actually, your body probably let’s you know when to stop other things too, but most of us ignore it. My goal is to listen to that intuition more.
From a financial standpoint, headstands are training me to be more patient, focus on the end goal, and be more aware. Every move I make has an impact on the integrity of my headstand and, potentially, my safety. The same is true of my finances. Every dollar I spend (or don’t save) has an impact on my long-term financial health. The same can be said of my health, relationship, and creative goals.
Take some time to think about what would help you truly focus. Meditation, regular exercise, and even simply journaling can help you make progress. What works for you?
Valentine’s Day is here once again. Many Americans plan to drop some serious money on the holiday. If you and your partner are money conscious or working towards being debt-free like we are, there are some gifts that can show your love and support. Here are five gifts I love for debt-free or money conscious couples.
I’m a certified plant lady – I accrued more than 20 while I was pregnant. One of my favorites is the money tree. The money tree represents wealth and is thought to bring you luck in your finances and/or profession. In some cases, it is believed that the money tree brings about a great sense of well-being and even luxury. Ours hangs out in between our desks in the office. It has brought us a fair amount of luck. Plants like the money tree can be a great gift because they will continue to sprout new growth throughout the year. Not to mention, having plants has been proven to benefit people’s moods and increase happiness. So, it makes a great gift.
There are a lot of paid fintech tools on the market. See if the person you are buying for is currently using the free version of any paid app and pay for a few months or even a year. Typically, paid versions of the app unlock new financial tools and additional help. If they use the app on a regular basis, the change can truly make a difference in their finances to have the paid tools available.
If the person you’re shopping for isn’t necessarily tech-savvy or prefers to write things down, a financial planner or journal may be a good gift option. Personally, I write everything from our budget to financial goals down in a planner. So, each year, I spring for a nice one and use it for the next 365 days. Journaling is also something that can help people on a debt-free journey and, honestly, journaling can be therapeutic. Buying a nice planner or journal can be the perfect gift for someone on a journey of their own.
This one is a little more expensive than the other gifts listed above, but it is a great gift for money conscious couples. You and your partner can go in on the purchase of the online program together and take the courses. Over the span of the Financial Peace University program, you will both learn more about finance and get on the same page about your money. Giving this kind of gift can draw you two closer together and improve parts of your relationship. It’s another gift that keeps on giving.
If money is your love language, make your own cash rose. For this, you decide how much you want to spend. Get the cash together (using small bills is a good idea). Then, watch this YouTube video instruction on making your own cash rose. Your honey will surely appreciate the gesture.
Readers, what do you think of these gift ideas? Do you have any to add?
It never fails. Things seems to be going great and then you are hit with something that costs an arm and a leg. For me, last month, the unexpected costs were related to dental emergencies. If you don’t already know, dental insurance is a racket. So, when it comes to covering the cost of an emergency, it usually falls on you. How do you cover it if you don’t have the cash upfront?
Believe it or not, just because it seems urgent to you doesn’t mean your situation is a dental emergency. There is a set of criteria the dentist uses in order to decide whether or not your problem is an emergency or not. Some common dental emergencies include:
At the end of the day, your dentist will be able to tell you whether or not the situation is an emergency. They will usually be able to get you in within 24 hours for issues that need immediate attention. That being said, dental work is crazy expensive. How do people pay for this stuff?
When it comes to covering the cost of dental emergencies, the numbers can be steep. For instance, I don’t have dental insurance. Because of this, I have to pay out of pocket for dental services. I pay $234 for “in-house insurance” with my dentist. This covers two cleanings a year, all x-rays, and discounts off any other services. However, it didn’t cover my deep cleaning gum therapy last Friday. The discounted bill that I paid out of pocket was $785. They drew up a plan for me to have all four wisdom teeth extracted as well (another $1,700 at some point down the road). Thankfully, I was able to get this paid, but if you are looking for ways to cover these astronomical prices, take note of these options.
As a last resort option, you can always borrow money or get a small loan for dental emergencies. After all, anything that impacts your health is important enough to invest in.
January 29 is my birthday. Every year, I take a moment to reflect on the previous year, how I grew, changes that happened, and so on. This year’s birthday reflections left me feeling thankful and glad for the life I have.
Many people take the time to reflect at the end of the year and the beginning of the next. While I do love to reflect around January 1 like everyone else, reflecting around my birthday has always been important to me. Every year, the number associated with how long I’ve been on this planet goes up. People often associate your age with certain milestones. Next year, the year I turn 30, is a big one for many people. You’re “supposed” to have met so many milestones by the age of 30. It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind peers your age.
That is one of the biggest reasons I sit down and reflect every year: not to compare myself to others but to compare myself to who I was last year. It gives me a version of myself to say, “Wow, I’ve come a long way.” My 28th year of life was kind of crazy, but in the most special way. I grew closer to my husband, we grew in our careers, and we welcomed our daughter into the world. It was truly an amazing year, but how have I personally changed?
This year was definitely one to remember. Now granted, I spent most of the year pregnant and preparing for the birth of my child. However, that experience and other things I went through last year have completely changed who I am fundamentally as a person. I grew in more ways than one. Last year, I started practicing yoga, which has become an important part of my life. I did a lot of things that made me uncomfortable to improve myself as a person (including taking new classes, meeting new people, and going to the doctor more).
Financially, I’m nowhere near where I’d like to be, but our finances grew in 2021. We were able to save, set up everything for the arrival of our baby, and spend a solid eight weeks with her after she was born without having to work. That was fantastic. Honestly, money has become less important to us as a whole. Spending time together is where we’ve been focusing our efforts.
The biggest change for me this year was the idea of family was altered in a huge way. I’ve always had a large family (my dad is one of nine children). There have always been aunts, uncles, cousins, out there somewhere. The family I’m talking about is a bit different though. Leading up to my 29th birthday, I learned a new sense of family. My husband, daughter, and I have such an amazing, close-knit support system. Seeing how these individuals rallied around me, around us, last year was amazing. Twenty-nine is starting out to be an interesting year already. Change is in the air and I’m excited to see what the next year brings.
Toy R Us and Babies R Us both announced they will be closing their doors, kicking off some seemingly great going-out-of-business sales. For growing families, these sales may be tempting. However, most people are better off just staying home.
Our Debt Free Family’s sister site, Saving Advice, had a colorful description of zombie toys in the back of liquidated stores. What you should really be scared of is the impact wasting money on a going-out-of-business sale might have on your wallet.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, many of these businesses have ways of making you spend more when all is said and done. If it is a large retail chain, like Toys R Us, the sale is most likely being handled by a liquidator. This also means there will be huge discounts advertised, but you may not be getting that great of a deal. In many cases, liquidation sales are marked down from seriously inflated prices. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before heading to any liquidation sales.
No matter what kind of sale you’re headed to, price comparison is the best way to protect yourself from false discounts. Know what you are purchasing and what the average price is before going crazy at a sale.
Readers, have you been tempted — or even tricked — into buying items at a going-out-of-business sale?
I bit the bullet and took on some new debt last month. Over a year and a half ago, I sold my 2002 PT Cruiser for $150 in grocery money (seriously). Since then, I’ve been using bike sharing, car sharing, public transportation, and just walking everywhere I’ve needed to go. Last month, I made the decision to buy myself a new car.
I’ve been working on my credit for some time (pulling it up from a 424 to a 650 in one year) and have been contemplating getting a car for myself. My pup has gotten a bit too big for the two-seater Miata my boyfriend and I shared. So, I got a new car in February.
Before doing so, I was overwhelmed with stress and anxiety over pulling out a loan. I worked really hard to pull my credit score up and wouldn’t want a car loan wrecking it.
This got me thinking. What questions should you ask yourself before taking on new debt? It can be absolutely nerve-wracking. So, here is a list of questions to ask yourself before taking out a new loan or opening a new credit card:
Will taking on the new debt hurt your credit? Don’t take on any new debt that will hurt your current financial situation. Although this seems like a no-brainer, items you want may cloud your judgment. If the new debt will hurt your score, move on.
Can you use cash instead? If you’re able to use cash and avoid taking on new debt although, do so. Sometimes saving for the item, and having delayed gratification, is more rewarding financially.
What are the repayment terms? And are the payments affordable? Identify how much you can afford to pay on your loan or credit card per month. If the new debt is outside what is affordable for you, don’t open the account. You will also want to be sure to read all of the repayment terms and conditions. For instance, make sure you know whether or not there are any fees for paying it off early.
Will the item last beyond the repayment term? This is especially important if you are in the market for a car. Many new cars cost around $20,000. If you pull out a 6-year loan, it isn’t always guaranteed your car will last throughout (or much past) the loan term. Do research about the item you are buying and be sure it is quality. You’ll be paying for it, and using it, for years to come.
Have you compared services offered by other lenders? Is the new debt you are taking on the best interest rate you can get? To make sure, you’ll want to call around and see what types of rates you can receive at other institutions. Be careful though – running your credit too often can hurt you!
When it comes to taking on new debt, nothing should be taken lightly. Be sure you are asking yourself the right questions and answering them honestly. You don’t want to be drowning in debt with no clear way out.
Have you taken on new debt recently? Did you ask yourself these questions?