As I mentioned recently in Welcome To Paradise – We’re Living On A Sailboat!, we no longer keep our Jeep with us. Because we’re preparing to cruise and will be leaving the marina soon, we don’t need a land vehicle for everyday use. Technically, we still own the Jeep, but it’s being stored at Wes’ … Read more

The following is sponsored by Empower. Creating and following a budget can be one of the most effective ways to take control of your finances. A good budget helps you save for long-term goals like retirement, plan for short-term needs such as a vacation, and prepare for large purchases without derailing your other priorities. Budgets … Read more

We’ve lived in a house, then an RV, then a sailboat — and now… a plane! Don’t get me wrong: our years on the sailboat and in the RV have been incredible, but we’re ready for a new adventure. It’s time to imagine life on a plane. That might sound wild, but being a blogger … Read more

For many, retirement feels like something only older adults do after decades of work. Yet an increasing number of people are aiming for early retirement — by which I mean reaching a level of financial security that lets you stop working if you choose to, not because you must. Although retiring early requires planning, discipline, … Read more

Do you want to learn how to start a personal finance blog? Starting a personal finance blog transformed my life. When I launched Making Sense of Cents, I never imagined that sharing practical money tips would lead to financial freedom and the flexibility to work from anywhere. What began as a hobby turned into a … Read more

Do you want to learn how to become rich? This article isn’t about having millions of dollars. When I say “rich,” I mean achieving financial freedom or personal financial success. Becoming rich might mean being debt-free, retiring early, paying off your home, escaping the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, growing a nest egg, or simply having a positive … Read more

If you love the holidays as much as I do, you probably enjoy the decorations, the food, and spending time with family and friends. Still, it’s easy to get carried away—holiday expenses can spiral quickly and derail your budget if you’re not careful. According to the National Retail Federation, the average U.S. household spent about … Read more

Do you want to learn how to save $10,000 in a year? Saving $10,000 in a year may seem challenging, but with a clear plan and consistent effort it’s achievable. By breaking that big goal into smaller, manageable steps and making intentional choices about spending and earning, you can build substantial savings in 12 months. … Read more

No matter the season or the temperature, there are many practical ways to earn some extra cash. I write often about side income on Making Sense of Cents, so I wanted to update a list of options for earning extra money. With the holidays approaching (it’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is this week!), a little … Read more