Aging is not a death sentence. It is, in fact, the exact opposite. Each birthday is another opportunity to grow, and it’s not just about becoming long in the tooth. People travel forward on their journeys, even if especially if their journeys aren’t straight lines. Of course, our thoughts and views change. What doesn’t get … [Read more…]
Imagine your only option for a retirement plan option is terrible. I don’t mean something trivial like having to use Fidelity instead of Vanguard. I’m not even talking about having your preferred index fund or ETF. What would you do if your 403b option was truly terrible? Asking for a friend. Well, actually, I’m asking … [Read more…]
Personal finance and financial independence: it’s about money. Often times people also point out that it’s not really about money. It’s about time and freedom. But the past few months have reminded me that I’m not only interested in those things. I want more money. I need more time. I love the idea of having … [Read more…]
Woohoo! What do financially-savvy and frugal people like more than free things? How about free things that make you better with money? Then don’t miss the details about the giveaway at the bottom of this post. I’ve had an advance copy of Tanja Hester’s Work Optional: Retire Early the Non-Penny-Pinching Way for several weeks now. … [Read more…]
Are you giving the perfect gift this holiday season? If you’re anything like me, after spending 0.000547 seconds online, one thing is abundantly clear: you’re probably not. As with most of life, we’ve managed to overcomplicate things when it comes to gifting. I fell down that Pinterest rabbit hole so hard when I was picking … [Read more…]
I found financial freedom in a chocolate bar. Of course I did. It’s not like it was an ingredient or anything. It’s more like it was a lingering effect (which is a vast improvement over the “what have I done!?” feeling). I’ve been waiting my whole life for chocolate to be a metaphor, and it … [Read more…]
Exactly one year ago, my maternity leave ended. In some ways, time has never moved faster. In other ways, I can’t believe how much things still feel the same. But for 365 days, I have had a full-time job in addition to being a mom. My son has spent more of the time that he is … [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…]
The research is undeniable. Reading is hugely beneficial for kids and teens. What’s more is the numerous benefits reading provides just about anyone. Additionally, if you ask most writers what makes them great at their craft, you’re likely to hear one thing over and over again: great writers are great readers. But there’s a problem. … [Read more…]
I logged onto Facebook. That was my first mistake. Every once in a while, I can’t resist the temptation to check in with far-flung relatives, so I log on. There were three messages waiting for me. I knew what they were without even clicking. Like death and taxes, there is another certainty, albeit much more … [Read more…]