Ever been curious about how someone else spends their money? It’s not something we get to see that often, but it can be interesting to peek into another person’s life, and maybe pick up some ideas for our own spending. To give you a look into my own spending, below are some things that I do … Continue reading Eight Things I Don’t Spend Money On, and One Thing I Do
Tag: money
7 Ways to Use Your Tax Refund to Level Up Your Finances
Expecting a tax refund this year? If you are one of the people getting money back, why not use this as an opportunity to make a real difference with your finances? Below are seven unique ideas for turning your tax refund into a bigger paycheck, smaller bills, more money for the future, more peace of mind, or just a … Continue reading 7 Ways to Use Your Tax Refund to Level Up Your Finances
My Top 10 Tips for Having Great Credit
To be honest, credit is kind of a game. If you know the rules, you can do well. If you don’t, you can end up in real trouble. It would be tempting to just ignore it, but a low credit score means: Higher interest rates on mortgages, car loans, and personal loans, which could cost … Continue reading My Top 10 Tips for Having Great Credit
Book Review—Broke Millennial Talks Money
As a financial coach I read a lot of personal finance books, and there are very few that I would recommend as whole-heartedly as “Broke Millennial Talks Money: Scripts, Stories and Advice to Navigate Awkward Financial Conversations” by Erin Lowry. Everyone should read this book! Ever needed to know how to ask for a raise? … Continue reading Book Review—Broke Millennial Talks Money
What To Do When Debt Collectors Are Calling
Even if you have never had to deal with debt collectors, I urge you to read this post. You might be able to help a friend or family member who is going through this situation. I remember getting calls from bill collectors back during my days as a struggling Chicago theater artist. It was extremely … Continue reading What To Do When Debt Collectors Are Calling
Fast Brain vs. Slow Brain – Which One Is Making Your Spending Decisions?
Every day our brain has to make thousands of decisions, from the mundane to the more important. In a 2011 book by Psychologist Daniel Kahneman called “Thinking, Fast and Slow” he talks about two systems of thought that help us make these many decisions
12 Ways to Create an Emergency Fund — Quick!
Not having money for emergencies can be extremely stressful. But a $1,000 emergency fund will put you in a better place than 57% of Americans – and it is a great goal to get started with. It will give you peace of mind, and it means you don’t have to take out a 20% interest … Continue reading 12 Ways to Create an Emergency Fund — Quick!
Why Am I Seeing A Christmas Tree? (It’s about future planning.)
I know, we don't want to start thinking about the holidays! But now — not after the fact when the bills come due — is the time to start thinking ahead about what extra expenses will be coming up between now and the end of the year. This might include: holiday travel annual payments that … Continue reading Why Am I Seeing A Christmas Tree? (It’s about future planning.)
Is Five Years Costing You Half a Million Dollars?
I wish I could get into a time machine and tell my younger self … start investing now! The effect that time has on investments is so incredible that even just starting small, I probably could have retired at 42 instead of 52! Not sure what I mean? Here’s an example: At age 30 Jane starts putting $250 per month into an index fund in her company’s retirement plan
Why Your Credit Card Shouldn’t Be Your Emergency Fund
Imagine this scenario … Bruce has a sudden dental emergency and gets a bill for $2,500. He doesn’t have any savings – who knows where the money goes each month – so he puts it on his credit card at 20% interest. “Luckily” the minimum payment is only $42 per month – he can figure … Continue reading Why Your Credit Card Shouldn’t Be Your Emergency Fund