It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and it’s also the spendiest. Or is it? If you believe news channels or angry tweets, then maybe. It seems that most people look at this time of year as one in which we lose what little willpower we have and become total gluttons, mindlessly downing empty … [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…]
I love words. It’s sometimes weird electing to spend all of my virtual free time in a world that values numbers when it is really words that speak to me. But when I look back at my progress this year, I have a confession to make: The numbers make a difference. I used to be … [Read more…]
How much money will I have to make before I stop getting excited about free food at work? Alright, friends, I must confess. This is a trick question. I don’t think the dollar amount exists. My money win for the week is actually a look ahead. Teachers are scavengers. Truly. If you think the kids … [Read more…]
“Maybe we should just give up.” A blank stare greeted me. “OK. Not give up, but we could just push a really big pause button for the next five or ten years.” I got no reaction. Instead, silence hung in the air. Finally, something. “If that’s what you want. But I know that’s not what … [Read more…]
I am a neat person. I am organized. I am meticulous with my things. These personality traits are no match for the sheer quantity of stuff lurking just out of sight in my house. Or at least, I thought it was a house. Six years ago, I bought our dream house. We loved it so … [Read more…]
Money wins matter, no matter the size. We covered that in the inaugural celebratory post. In an effort to prove my point, I thought I’d share what I’m currently delighting over. $8.55 is headed straight to our mortgage principal. In a recent post, I commented on how I was giving up on Poshmark. Because I … [Read more…]
Chocolate or vanilla? Cake or ice cream? Beach or mountains? Either/or questions might have their place when it comes to icebreakers or dating profiles, but they have also become incredibly pervasive in personal finance. Pay down debt or invest? Grow your income or cut expenses? Donate time or donate money? Focus on little leaks or … [Read more…]
There’s perennial talk about the importance of goal setting in personal finance. SMART goals, checklists, apps abound. All of these posts and tools are designed to set people up for success. Looking ahead, though, I am not just interested in success. I’m looking to fail. Here’s why: Looking to Fail There’s real bravery and power … [Read more…]
Less may be more in a lot of respects, but when it comes to personal finance, more is definitely better. Ideas should be scalable. Why double when you can 10X? In a world so focused on growing gaps, increasing income, and building entrepreneurial empires, it makes sense to focus on more. Still, after reaching some … [Read more…]