Transparency. Over the past decade, that word has turned into a juggernaut of sorts. Politicians, businesses, nonprofits, even celebrities espouse the greatness of transparency. In an effort to be more transparent, Twitter accounts were made, blogs and vlogs were established, press releases became a smidge more authentic, and someone started the trend of selfies sans … [Read more…]
Just like when I was learning to drive, I am starting to realize my tendency to overcorrect when it comes to personal finance. It is no secret that I fell headfirst into the trap of excessive consumerism. In a lot of ways, it was not a fall, so much as a gleeful swan dive, credit … [Read more…]
Last month, I finished decluttering my kitchen. Well, I finished decluttering almost my whole kitchen. I ran into a roadblock when I got to my built-in desk, which doubles as my home office. There were papers, pens, photos, envelopes, coupons — current and long expired. Then, there was the junk drawer. Oh, the junk. So, … [Read more…]
Couponers love to brag. In fact, there are entire databases and websites set up to allow couponers to share their triumphs. Rightfully so, because couponing can help people score major deals. I’m not talking about 50% savings. Couponing brags usually include drastically discounted items, freebies, and moneymakers. Still, I’ve been in the couponing world long … [Read more…]
Not long ago, I proctored a high-stakes standardized test used in college admissions. At first, nothing was unusual. Students filed in, showed identification numerous times, left all belongings in the hallway besides soft lead number 2 pencils, testing tickets, and calculators, and shuffled to their seats. Tasked with the duty of checking every ticket against … [Read more…]
Have a six-figure bank account? Buried under six-figure debt? When money or debt enters the picture, it’s easy to lose sight of other things. But you are not your money, and you are not your debt. If you spend any length of time in the personal finance world, you’ll see people celebrating financial victories and … [Read more…]
Think clutter is only limited to what’s inside your home? Think again. In an attempt to savor the last bits of autumnal colors and daylight, I have been taking longer jogs than usual most evenings. While much of my jog is comprised of me picking out my favorite tree listening to my most recent podcast … [Read more…]
Cleaning your home is not as simple as it might originally seem. Just consider the amount of money it costs you each month! Store shelves are overflowing with all sorts of cleaning tools, detergents and solutions. There’s a product for washing your windows, another for polishing wooden surface,s and yet a third one for cleaning … [Read more…]
Discretionary spending. Fun money. Call it whatever you want, it’s an important part of any budget. Last week, I highlighted all the luxuries that masquerade as needs on grocery lists. This week, I thought it would be fun to talk guilty pleasures. There’s no way any of these are needs, but that doesn’t seem to … [Read more…]
Last year, my side hustle dreams came true. After several years of developing a client base and building my reputation as a dependable and effective after-school tutor, I crossed the $1000-a-month mark in extra income. My side hustle was more than enough to cover our mortgage payment for the month. My side hustle was almost … [Read more…]