Parafiks - A Personal Finance

Master Negotiation Skills: Win Every Deal with Confidence

Please enjoy this guest post by Norman Ling of Spreadsheet Productions. Norman works in healthcare strategic sourcing, which means he regularly negotiates business agreements. After reading the post “Are You Afraid To Negotiate?” he reached out to share his professional perspective and practical negotiation tips with readers. Not long ago I began searching for a … Read more

Save Thousands for Your Next Vacation: Smart Money Moves

Are you dreaming of a vacation? Do you know how to save for a vacation?

These two questions are closely connected.

Vacations can be costly, and many people try to “afford” them by taking on extra debt. That approach usually backfires: holidays should help you relax, not leave you coming home to unpaid bills. Instead, planning and saving ahead will let you enjoy a stress-free trip without relying on credit.

This article explains practical, realistic steps to save for a vacation so you have the money you need before you leave. The suggestions below will help you build a travel fund without borrowing and will give you confidence that you can afford the experience you want.

If you’re also interested in ways to spend less while traveling, there are many strategies for budget travel. Today we’ll focus on saving the money you need in advance.

Want to learn how to make more money?

More people than ever are looking for ways to increase their income. Whether your goal is to stop living paycheck to paycheck, build savings, launch a side business, or achieve financial freedom, there are many practical paths to making extra money.

Fortunately, there are dozens of flexible, realistic options to earn additional income.

In this guide you’ll find more than 100 ideas for how to make more money, ranging from fully online opportunities to small businesses, part-time jobs, and quick side hustles.

I’ve seen firsthand how extra income can change a life. I paid off $38,000 in student loans in seven months largely by finding ways to earn more. It took long hours and dedication, but it opened the door to building my own business—this blog—which eventually became my full-time career.

You don’t have to do everything on this list. The value is in finding a few options that match your skills, schedule, and goals.

Wondering if Boldin is the right tool to help you plan for retirement? This Boldin Review explains everything you need to know. Financial planning can feel overwhelming. I tried Boldin (formerly NewRetirement) to see how well it helps people understand whether they are on track for retirement, when they can retire, and how to make … Read more

How a 28-Year-Old Retired Early with $2.25 Million

I recently launched a new interview series featuring people doing remarkable things with their lives. First up is JP Livingston, who retired at 28 with a net worth of $2.25 million — and that total continues to grow. About 60% of her net worth came from disciplined saving, while 40% resulted from investing and letting … Read more

Become a Proofreader: Start a Remote Career You Can Do Anywhere

Do you want to learn how to become a proofreader? If you want to earn extra income and enjoy the freedom to work from anywhere, proofreading is an excellent option. It’s a flexible, detail-oriented side hustle that requires only a laptop or tablet, an internet connection, and a sharp eye for errors. If you’re curious … Read more

Set Powerful 2026 Resolutions That Transform Your Year

Have you considered your 2026 resolutions yet? The new year is an ideal time to reflect on what you want to accomplish. It’s a chance to set clear intentions, plan meaningful changes, and challenge yourself to grow. Some people begin crafting their 2026 resolutions weeks or months in advance. They review the successes and setbacks … Read more

How I Find Time to Blog While Raising Three Kids Under 3

Michelle’s quick note: Today I’m sharing a thoughtful guest post from Dan about how he manages to find time to blog while raising three children aged three and under. Dan Palmer takes a holistic approach to personal finance, writing about the underlying purpose behind money decisions, practical frugal-living tactics, and strategies for investing and building … Read more

How to Calculate Your Net Worth: A Clear Guide to Personal Wealth

What is net worth? You’ve likely heard the term “net worth,” but what does it actually mean? And do you know your own net worth? When people mention net worth, they’re referring to more than just the cash in a bank account. Net worth is a calculation that compares what you own (your assets) against … Read more

10 Practical Steps to Take Control of Your Finances and Build Wealth

Many of us want greater financial freedom and have money-related goals or resolutions. If you want to stop living paycheck to paycheck, get ahead, and take control of your finances, these practical tips will help you make steady progress. This article gathers some of the most effective strategies I use and recommend. Implementing even a … Read more