The hottest Budgeting Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways

The Joint Super Committee (JSC) has the potential for big changes, even if it seems unlikely to achieve much right now. Sometimes, it’s worth paying attention to small chances because the outcomes can be significant.
How the JSC process fails could impact politics greatly, regardless of whether it achieves any policy changes. Politicians will try to manage that failure to turn it into a win for themselves.
Media tends to focus on the JSC because it's seen as new and exciting, while the appropriations process is more complicated and less glamorous, even though it might have more immediate consequences.

The current budgeting issues in Congress are more about politics than the process itself. Changing the timeline may not solve the underlying disagreements about money and priorities.
Switching to a two-year budgeting system could lead to more intense political battles. The pressure might shift from an annual basis to a crisis point every two years.
Moving to biennial budgeting might create complications, like more supplemental funding needs. It could end up being less efficient rather than streamlining the process.

Avoid taking loans when buying a car. It's better to buy what you can afford outright instead of paying more with interest over time.
Always get third-party insurance for your car. It's legally required and usually costs less, while still offering protection without wasting money on unnecessary upgrades.
Buying a used car can save you a lot of money since they depreciate quickly. You'll get more value for your budget without locking away too much money.