I contend there’s no better city in the world in the summertime than Chicago. Kanye put it in a song, so it must be true. Though summertime Chi does coincide with construction season (if you’re not familiar, that’s any season that there isn’t still snow on the ground), summer is a pretty magical time here. … [Read more…]
I am about to close the door on a decade in the classroom. For ten years, I have been able to pursue my passion and do what I love. It isn’t ever easy, but it’s always been worthwhile. Here are ten things that I’ve learned after ten years in my career. 1. Pursue your passions. … [Read more…]
It’s here! The most sleepy day of the year. It isn’t just the day after the start of Daylight Savings Time that makes for a tricky morning, though. In fact, there isn’t a day on the calendar that I don’t feel like I could use a little more time. In that spirit, I thought I … [Read more…]
28, 30, 31. Then, there’s the really unusual 29. No matter how you flip the pages, each month only has so many days. I’ve recently gotten into the groove of setting goals for each month, and I’ve been met with varying degrees of success. Instead of looking at the end of the month as the … [Read more…]
I’ve never watched a single episode of The Walking Dead, but to say the zombie apocalypse thing doesn’t interest me isn’t accurate. I’ve just accepted my role: first eaten. It’s true. I’m not a runner. Ask my high school track coach. Zombie food though I may be, I am a planner by nature, which is … [Read more…]
The best piece of travel advice I’ve ever heard is to pack half the amount of things that you think you need and twice the amount of money. Whether you’re traveling for business, pleasure, or something in between, there’s no shortage of packing advice on the internet. But what about finances? Whether we are going … [Read more…]
There is nothing in life that I’ve experienced quite like finding out you are bringing a new life into this world. Not a single thing could wipe the dopey grins from our faces. Not even the reality of the fact that kids are expensive. The smiles were there to stay. But we also knew that … [Read more…]
Since I announced Half Penny’s impending arrival, I’ve heard two questions asked with equal gusto: “What do you mean your maternity leave isn’t paid?” and “You know kids don’t have to be expensive, right?”. And the best part is that sometimes the same person will ask both of those questions. Let me break this down … [Read more…]
Could you come up with an extra $500 in an emergency? What about $5000? The statistics about Americans’ inability to cover emergency expenses are sobering, so it’s not surprising that posts calling for emergency funds are everywhere. Peace of mind for the win. And with all the emergency fund hoopla, there’s even been some debate … [Read more…]
Windfall season is upon us! Extra paycheck month and tax time are both nearly here. Of course, I know I’m not actually coming into any money that isn’t already mine. In fact, if I wanted to go all Debbie Downer on you, I’d point out the fact that this is actually money I’ve already earned, … [Read more…]