There’s plenty to complain about these days, and honestly, it’s getting kinda draining (name that musical!) so I decided to highlight one of the good things that has come out of COVID for me. Starting a new job remotely during the pandemic has actually benefitted me in so many ways versus going into a new office setting.
Read MoreIf you make enough money, removing the “added sugar” from your budget is a great way to free up money – guilt-free! – for things you just *want* to buy.
Read MoreOver the years I’ve started doing a few things to get my clothing ready to store and to help keep it in shape for years to come. I’m also a picky shopper, so the stress of having to replace big-ticket items is something I try to avoid at all costs. Seriously, who are these people who allegedly shop as a hobby? Spending money to make sure your clothes, shoes and accessories stay clean, in good repair, and looking nice is one of the best investments you can make, especially if you buy higher quality items to avoid fast fashion (or if you’re on a clothing ban like Angela over at Tread Lightly, Retire Early)
Read MoreThis list is intended to be for temporary financial situations - like a government shutdown, for example, or the time between graduation and a job start date. This list is not specifically intended to be used as a general money management strategy, but frankly, if it helps you get current on your bills, have at it. I’m not going to judge you improving your situation if improving your situation right now would mean a 16% interest rate on a credit card vs a 300% APR on a payday loan.
Read MoreI know using credit cards will cost you money. And this may not be the solution for everyone, but it worked for me, and you shouldn’t feel ashamed if you’re facing some kind of paycheck interruption and you don’t want to (or can’t) rely on your emergency fund for any meaningful length of time. Do what you have to do to stay afloat.
Read MorePhoebe really is the odd duck in the group. It’s like she dropped out of someone’s mental image of a stereotypical, leftover hippie from the Woodstock era and the rest of the group is a bunch of overgrown frat stars living The Life in NYC. But she certainly has a few moments that can teach us about finance, and that’s what we’re here to discuss, amirite??
Read MoreOne of the things I love about Chandler is his strong story arc. He learns to be in an adult relationship after he and Monica have their first fight and develops emotionally over the course of the show. He also ditches his corporate career near the end of the series to pursue something different, riskier, and more creative. And, of course, Chandler is a model of personal finance success.
Read MoreMonica serves as a romantic foil to Rachel’s absurd dating successes, reminding Rachel that sometimes when men say they’re going to call, they’re not actually going to call. She’s afraid she’ll never find a partner. She’s particular about…everything. And she’s almost always right. I relate to Monica a lot. And she learns (and teaches) quite a few financial lessons to which I certainly can relate, and I’m hoping you can too!
Read MoreJoey…I’m trying to find the words to describe this [guy] without being disrespectful. Joey doesn’t share food, but he does share his money with his friends when he has it (which is admittedly rare) and he learned a lot of money lessons the hard way.
Read MoreOne of Ross’s “things” is that he enthusiastically loads up on hotel toiletries and other “free” items in hotel rooms. Chandler gets into it and returns with some great items (USA Today, two apples - “Nice! We’re only 4 apples short of a bushel!” squeals Ross), but the record scratches when Chandler reveals salt and pepper shakers. Ross is beyond appalled and tells him: “You have to find the line between stealing and taking what the hotel owes you.”
Read MoreAnyway, I was thinking about my previous post about Minimalism in which I mention “everyone should have a Monica Closet,” and I thought about all the other things Friends characters taught me about money. Turns out the Friends dealt with money in their lives and with each other quite often! And not always very well…up first, Rachel Green!
Read MoreI woke up breathless. I reminded myself I hadn’t been fired. Then I had a moment of actual, non-dream panic. What if this is foreshadowing? Then it hit me as I was lying in my bed, surrounded by the many boxes I had not yet unpacked: I haven’t been fired, but if I lost my job, I’d be in a realll bad situation.
Read MoreSo instead of navel-gazing about the conference in a way that non-attendees can’t relate (not that those posts aren’t wonderful too; they super are!), here’s a list of takeaways from FinCon that you can use in your life and your finances, regardless of whether you’re a money blogger or a reader or both!
Read MoreGood self-care should be about putting yourself in a state to do your best work and be the best self, friend, partner, parent, and person that you can be.
Read MoreIf you can be responsible with them, credit cards are a great tool that can save you tons of money, particularly on travel.
Read MoreYou ready for some dry AF health insurance talk? I know I am!
Read MoreTo me, taking care of your body is the most important and ultimately beneficial part of any financial journey; thus, the cost of doing so outweighs any current savings you may gain by eliminating your gym membership bill.
Read MoreThere’s plenty to complain about these days, and honestly, it’s getting kinda draining (name that musical!) so I decided to highlight one of the good things that has come out of COVID for me. Starting a new job remotely during the pandemic has actually benefitted me in so many ways versus going into a new office setting.
If you make enough money, removing the “added sugar” from your budget is a great way to free up money – guilt-free! – for things you just *want* to buy.
Personal finance for young professionals who want to indulge their champagne tastes on a beer budget, optimize their everyday spending, and learn to invest for a financially independent future.
I'll be your guide to all things money optimization, because I like to spend as little as possible on all the nice things, and invest as well as possible so I can have the freedom I want later in life.
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For me, there has been an undercurrent of anxiety and grief that is hard to describe…but essentially, it hasn’t left room in my brain for much more than the essentials and, in my downtime, relatively mindless entertainment.