Shared Dreams, Shared Dollars: Financial Planning for Couples

When I first met Aaron*, a client of mine, he was at his wit’s end. His relationship with his wife, Rebecca*, had hit rocky waters, and most of their disputes were about money. Aaron, a conservative spender, believed in saving for a rainy day and meticulously budgeting every dollar. Rebecca, on the other hand, was … Read more

Overcoming Investment Anxiety

couple feeling anxiety about money

Money, for many, is not just a physical entity but an emotional construct, woven with dreams, aspirations, and, quite often, fears. In the landscape of personal finance, investment becomes a peak often admired from afar but seldom scaled. The paradox here is profound: people yearn for the growth that investment can bring, yet they remain … Read more

The Unique Financial Challenges of Generation X

As a member of Generation X, the “sandwich generation,” I can attest to the unique financial challenges we face. We are often balancing the costs of raising children, supporting aging parents, and planning for our own retirement. Our financial responsibilities seem to pull us in multiple directions, making financial wellness feel like an elusive goal. … Read more

Teaching Kids about Money

As a mother, I have come to realise that one of the most important life lessons we can impart on our children is financial literacy. Picture this: if we consider life as a complex puzzle, then understanding money is like having the corner pieces. They’re not the whole picture, but they give you a place … Read more

Parenting on a Budget: My Journey as a Single Mom

Mother and daughter celebrating Christmas eating a cupcake

As I sit here today, a certified financial psychologist, author, and advocate for financial wellness, I can’t help but reflect on the winding road that brought me here. It’s a journey punctuated by highs and lows, moments of despair, and flickers of hope. But there’s one aspect of this journey that profoundly shaped who I … Read more

Building Your Financial Confidence

person reading a book about fundamentals of financial planning

In a world where financial decisions shape our daily lives, confidence in financial literacy is more than just a skill—it’s an essential component of empowerment. Yet, for many, the realm of finance seems shrouded in complexity and jargon, leading to a sense of apprehension rather than control. This blog post is dedicated to demystifying the … Read more

Steering Clear of Pyramid Schemes

In a world where entrepreneurial ventures and side hustles are increasingly glorified, multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes often masquerade as legitimate business opportunities. They lure in individuals with promises of financial freedom, flexible working hours, and the allure of being one’s own boss. However, beneath the surface of these enticing offers often lie manipulative tactics and … Read more

The Financial Impacts of Remote Work

family bonding during quarantine

In the wake of a global shift towards remote work, many of us are reevaluating our daily routines and, crucially, our financial landscapes. The rise of working from home, once a luxury, has become a norm for a significant portion of the workforce. This seismic shift brings with it a mixed bag of financial implications. … Read more

Practical Advice for Choosing a Lawyer

businesspeople talking

The legal landscape can often seem like a labyrinth: complex, intimidating, and fraught with critical decisions at every turn. At the center lies the quest for a steadfast advocate – a lawyer. Whether you’re dealing with a business dispute, estate planning, or a personal matter, selecting the right attorney is pivotal to navigating the corridors … Read more

10 Financial Fallacies That Are Keeping You Broke

Fallacy 1: I Don’t Earn Enough to Save The truth is, saving isn’t about how much you earn, but about how you manage what you earn. Even if your income is low, developing a habit of saving even a small amount regularly can add up over time. Fallacy 2: It’s Too Late for Me to … Read more

Money Lessons from Your First Job

learning on the job

We’ve all been there – the initial thrill of landing our very first job. For many, it’s a rite of passage, a step into adulthood and financial independence. But beyond the paychecks and newfound responsibilities, there’s an entire curriculum of life and money lessons waiting to be discovered. This article dives deep into the vital … Read more

Making a Living with Video Games

In an age when conventional 9-to-5 jobs are continuously evolving, a surge of innovative career paths has emerged from the vibrant world of video gaming. No longer limited to the realm of leisure and recreation, the video game industry has opened its doors wide, inviting gamers from all walks of life to carve out lucrative … Read more

Investing with Mobile Apps

The world of investing has long been envisioned as a realm for stock market aficionados, gazing at multiple screens filled with colorful charts, numbers, and ticker symbols. But like every other industry, the digital revolution has not left the investment sector untouched. Enter mobile investment apps. Designed to demystify investing for the masses, these tools … Read more

Smart Strategies to Save on Food

In a world of ever-increasing expenses, food remains a substantial part of our monthly budget. Whether it’s the lure of gourmet dining, the comfort of fast food, or the routine grocery haul, many find themselves spending more on food than they’d prefer. Yet, feeding ourselves and our families doesn’t have to break the bank. With … Read more

The Perils of Mobile Gaming Addiction

Mobile games, designed with engaging algorithms that tap into the brain’s reward centers, can blur the lines between recreation and addiction. The free-to-play model and in-game purchases can quickly accumulate and distort the perception of value, leading to financial strain. Additionally, Skinner Box principles applied in these games can induce obsessive behavior.

Inexpensive Vacation Ideas

Thrifty Themed Adventures

The essence of a vacation isn’t determined by lavish hotels or exotic locales, but by the experiences we garner and the memories we create.

Should Kids Manage Their College Funds?

group of multiethnic students with books and documents

As the landscape of higher education funding grows increasingly complex, parents and guardians are faced with myriad decisions. One particularly daunting question that’s surfaced in recent times is whether or not to let young adults manage their own college funds. Trusting a teenager or young adult with what might be a significant amount of money … Read more

Social Media’s Impact on Our Spending Habits

happy young woman browsing phone on bed

Ah, social media—the modern agora where everyone from your high school nemesis to your slightly eccentric aunt convenes to show off their latest escapades or acquisitions. It’s a realm brimming with manicured realities, a space where the grass doesn’t just look greener—it is greener. But what’s the cost of participating in this digital ecosystem where … Read more

A Guide for Couples Buying A Home

couple in yard unloading car while moving house

House-hunting with your spouse is a romantic narrative veiled in layers of financial complexity and emotional nuances. As a financial psychologist, I’ve seen this odyssey elevate relationships and destabilize them, build empires of comfort and mountains of debt. Let’s walk through this labyrinthine journey together, breaking down the aspects that most couples blissfully ignore or … Read more

Habits of Happy Investors

marketing man people woman

A peculiar notion lingers around investing, painting it as a voodoo practice accessible only to Wall Street aficionados or those with finance degrees. But let’s debunk that myth right now: being a perceptive investor is not divined by some cosmic roll of the dice. It’s a deliberate path paved with not just mathematical algorithms but … Read more