There’s no such thing as stupid questions. But I’m pretty sure I’m about to ask one. When should I pay off my mortgage? We’ve been homeowners for a while now. In fact, we were just awkwardly introducing ourselves to new neighbors down the street (I later found part of a stick in my hair, don’t … [Read more…]
Fat Tuesday might be my favorite day. It’s always been a day of celebration in my family. In fact, as I type, a bowl of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream is keeping my keyboard company. What? You thought I was hanging off a float or catching beads? Of course, I like Fat Tuesday because … [Read more…]
“I would love to make more money.” It’s not an uncommon sentiment. In fact, social media and real life conversations are equally dotted with people wishing for more. Sometimes, it’s a passing daydream or even a whimsical song. But a lot of times, it’s a real request. A true want. Or even an absolute need. … [Read more…]
Don’t be a Scrooge. Shockingly, this might be the one thing you read today that has nothing to do with the holidays. While Scrooge’s bad behaviors juxtapose most dramatically with Christmastime, it’s safe to say that he was a miser all year. Which is exactly what this post is about. It’s no secret that the … [Read more…]
Oh. You didn’t win the lottery? Bummer. Me neither. OK, fine. You don’t play the lottery. Neither do I. In fact, I have a really hard time doing anything other than sinking a few pennies in the slots in Vegas and cashing out right away. I like my money. Sue me. But still, it’s fun to … [Read more…]
Numbers are everywhere. Of course they are, Penny. You’re a personal finance blogger. It’s hard to talk about money without mentioning numbers. Touche, friend. Touche. But we’ve already established that your bank account is a poor measure of you as a person. In case you need me to say it again, though, I will. You … [Read more…]
Last week, I went to a money and media conference. I didn’t take many notes. If you’re looking for big takeaways to help you 10x your life or your brand, look elsewhere. Why? In the spirit of full disclosure, I attended exactly one session. It’s not because I wasn’t excited for the speakers. I was. … [Read more…]
Last week, I saw a mom at a distance walking with a toddler, a dog, and a toddler push car as I drove home from work. My heart melted. I smiled at the scene. My son has the same car. In fact, I was headed home so that I could become that mom—sans dog—in a … [Read more…]
Today is a holiday. My inbox has been celebrating for over a week. Each day, more and more emails arrive. I can’t unsubscribe fast enough. Weekly ads. Daily deals. For a limited-time only. The limited time, though, seems to grow in sync with the commercialization of each holiday. Today, a day intended to honor better … [Read more…]
My son is starting daycare. Real daycare. The kind run by licensed professionals total strangers. While most people mark the start of a new school year with back-to-school shopping based on supply lists and maybe even child requests (and peer pressure and clever advertisements), I’m shopping for a whole different reason. I’m shopping because I’m … [Read more…]