Living for today - Planning for Tomorrow
Many people see frugality as a chore or a burden. Why would anyone want to add penny-pinching and coupon clipping to their already packed to-do list? But since I adopted a more frugal mindset, I’ve found I actually have more free time, not less. Because I don’t have to chase money to fund an inflated lifestyle, I can rest when I need to and focus
When you first set a financial goal, working towards it feels new and exciting. You may spend a lot of time researching ways to save money and feel motivated to change your lifestyle to get closer to your goal. But after a while, the shine wears off and you enter into a phase called “the boring middle.” When you’re in the boring middle, you feel
In the past decade, consumer attitudes have shifted from valuing things to experiences. Nearly 80% of consumers worldwide would rather spend their money on experiences than material goods. Instead of buying a shiny new car, most people want to travel, go to concerts, and make memories with family and friends. Some studies have shown that spending money on special events tends to make people happier
In this day and age, there’s a lot of pressure on women and girls to look good because of social media and societal expectations. Studies have shown that girls as young as seven believe they’re judged primarily by their appearance. Researchers have even found that how much makeup you wear can affect your career success. Women who don’t wear makeup are viewed as less competent
No one wants to be in a financial position where they need to borrow money from friends and family members to stay afloat. But the pandemic has put many people in a tough spot, especially now that stimulus payments like the child tax credit have ended. If you lost your job or had to take unpaid time off work to recover from COVID-19, you may
Buying a house before you’re financially and emotionally ready can wreak havoc on your finances. I’ve watched friends buy houses in their early twenties and sell them a few years later for a loss because they weren’t prepared for the responsibility of homeownership. I just bought my first home with my partner last year. Even as a personal finance writer, I wasn’t fully prepared for
If fast food is a big line item in your budget, you’re not alone. The average American household spends $250 per month on eating out. Investing that money instead can help you achieve your financial goals and build wealth. But how do you break the habit of hopping in the car and going to Wendy’s whenever you’re too tired to cook? Here are some tips
Home repairs are a major line item in many people’s budgets. On average, homeowners spend at least one percent of their home’s value on maintenance every year. But luckily you can save money by fixing things yourself instead of calling a contractor every time something breaks. Even if you’re not a handy person, you can learn how to do minor home repairs. Here are some
Do you know that you can make money by being a virtual friend? Because of the pandemic, people need company more than ever. Nearly 40% of Americans reported feeling serious loneliness in a recent survey. With new COVID-19 variants on the rise, some people don’t feel comfortable leaving their homes, but still want to get social interaction. That’s where virtual friends come in. If you’re
It’s no secret that housing prices are rising to nearly unaffordable levels. Home values have climbed by 118% since 1965, but the median income has only increased 15%. Instead of trying to afford a $1,200 apartment on an entry level salary, many millennials are opting out and living in alternative housing like Sprinter vans. For a few years I considered breaking the lease on my
