One of the most common pieces of advice in personal finance is to increase your income. It’s a solid suggestion. Until it’s not. The truth is that you can’t always make more money. There are a lot of instances when layering on a side income or two is hugely advantageous. I’d argue that in just … [Read more…]
Maybe it would be more palatable if I used words like comfortable or wealthy. But I’m just going to say it: I teach and I want to be rich. We’ve made life as a dedicated educator incongruous with affluence of course. When teaching feels like equal parts a calling and your identify, it makes some … [Read more…]
I tend to prioritize saving over earning more money. It’s worth noting *why* I do this. Obviously, if you have a big mountain of debt to move, the best way to move the needle is to make more money. However, we don’t have an income problem so much as a spending problem. Or at least, … [Read more…]
If my relationship with side hustles had a status, it would be this: It’s Complicated. As someone who worked multiple jobs as soon as I got my work permit at 14, my relationship with side hustles is as varied as it is long. Even at moments when I absolutely hate it, even now that I … [Read more…]
Senior year of high school, one of my friends convinced me to watch House of 1,000 Corpses. No one could believe I hadn’t seen it in theaters (for the three whole days it was there?), so we rented it. From Blockbuster. I had long survived The Blair Witch Project and The Ring. Recently, I had … [Read more…]
You can always make more money, but what you can’t get more of is time. This statement is both profoundly true everywhere and logistically false in education. The idea that any teacher can simply work hard to earn more income shows little understanding of a profession that is governed by salary schedules, lane changes, and … [Read more…]
Not every money win has to a huge one to matter. Last month, I focused a sizable win. We have enough in savings to wipe out our mortgage. That’s H-U-G-E. But this month? I’m actually equally excited by something that only adds up to maybe $20 or $30 a month. I am officially Diet Coke … [Read more…]
I hate my mortgage. How’s that for today’s installment of Truths That Surprise No One? No amount of rationalizations have ever made my mortgage seem palatable. I know our interest rate is low. I know we bought at a great time. I know that my money could be working harder for me in the market. … [Read more…]
For a lot of people, January is a no-spend month. Since I’m not participating, I thought I’d share what I’m doing with my money this month. I’m spending it. Da dum tss! That is actually true, of course. I am also implementing three small changes this month that seemed notable enough to mention at length. … [Read more…]
Does income matter on the journey to financial independence? Duh. I agreed to be a guest on a podcast panel where I could weigh in on that very question. To be quite honest, I wasn’t sure what I could possibly add to the discussion besides a hearty, “Of course!” Still, I agreed. I anticipated that … [Read more…]