Hello everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Ours was quiet and relaxing — nothing major, but exactly what we needed. Some close friends of ours are getting married this Friday. W has known the groom since first grade, and they decided on a quick ceremony, so we have a lot to prepare … Read more

In this post we explore the real benefits of weekly meal plans—how planning your meals ahead of time can save you money, reduce stress, and reclaim time in your week. “What should we eat?” “What’s for dinner?” Few questions are asked more often, and for many families these repeat questions can feel exhausting. After a … Read more

Some say the best way to learn about money is to learn from past money mistakes — after all, you live and learn. No one wants to make financial errors, but if a mistake happens, it should become a stepping stone toward becoming a better money manager. Learning from money mistakes is essential, because nobody … Read more

The following is a sponsored partnership with PSECU. Are you considering a personal loan for a major expense, such as consolidating debt or remodeling your home? Many people want to borrow wisely, and choosing the right lender can make that process simpler and less stressful. Good personal loans offer a flexible way to cover large … Read more

Today’s topic is a sensitive one: should parents start—or stop—saving for their children’s college expenses? After I paid off my $38,000 in student loans last year, I’ve received many emails from parents asking for guidance about helping their kids with college costs. Most of these messages center around whether parents should risk, or even sacrifice, … Read more

Hello! Looking for practical, proven ways to save money? I’ve organized my best tips and posts about saving into one convenient resource so you can find help quickly and start improving your finances today. Many readers asked me to gather all of my top money-saving advice in one place for easy reference. I listened—this dedicated … Read more

Hey everyone! Today I have a post from an excellent fellow blogger. Many of you have asked about staff writing, so this article is perfect for anyone considering that career path. Enjoy! One of the questions I get asked most often is, “How do you get hired as a staff writer for blogs?” I’m happy … Read more

If it is important to you, you will find a way. If not you will find an excuse.” ― Anonymous As a financial writer, I’ve heard countless reasons people give for not paying off debt, not saving, delaying retirement, or skipping travel and other life goals. Some situations are genuinely difficult and deserve compassion, but … Read more

If you want to learn how to save money on groceries, you’re in the right place. Cutting your grocery bill is one of the most effective ways to reduce overall household spending. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the average family of four spends roughly $700 to $1,000 a month on food. That … Read more

My monthly “Extraordinary Lives” series is one of my favorite projects. Previously I featured JP Livingston, who retired at 28 with a net worth of over $2,000,000. Today’s interview profiles Kach Howe, a traveler who has visited more than 100 countries across all seven continents and now sails the Caribbean with her husband and their … Read more