Lily Kensington
I have financial power of attorney for my 59-year-old mother, who earns around $11 per hour and just manages to cover her $700 monthly rent and living expenses. I’m her only child and live in a region where the cost of living is low, while my income is decent. How can I effectively prepare for … Read more
Picture yourself wandering through the labyrinthine world of financial adulthood. One wrong turn, and you might find yourself trapped in the debt-scape, a barren land where opportunities seem forever out of reach. You need more than just a ball of yarn to find your way. Your credit score—those three little digits—functions as a kind of … Read more
This question, “What Are Our Long-Term Financial Goals?”, isn’t merely a roadmap to financial success; it’s a compass that keeps both partners sailing towards shared dreams. It transcends dollars and cents to become an exercise in mutual understanding, empathy, and shared aspiration.
Taking that significant step of moving in together is a thrilling leap of faith that blends emotions, lives, and of course, finances. It’s a venture into uncharted waters, filled with the joy of sharing space and the complexity of intertwining monetary matters. It’s about love and trust, but also about dollars and cents. These intricate … Read more
Behavioral economics pulls back the curtain on the irrational ways we often handle money. We’ll unravel the mysteries of human behavior in economic decisions, enriching readers’ understanding of why we often act against our financial best interests. At times perplexing, often downright baffling, the mental pathways we take in making financial choices can be a … Read more
In a world that often seems ruled by numbers, it’s easy to forget the faces behind the figures. Financial hardship is not just an economic issue; it’s a human one.
The advent of the gig economy has ushered in a revolution in how we perceive work, employment, and even the very fabric of our social structures. Far beyond a mere shift in the labor market, it has become a cultural phenomenon that redefines our relationship with work, community, and ourselves. Traditional notions of job security, … Read more
Season 1 of the comedy series “Killing It” blends humor, absurdity, and thrilling adventure in a pursuit of the American Dream like never before. With Craig Robinson leading the cast, the show takes us on a python-hunting escapade set against a backdrop of financial struggle and entrepreneurial hope. Let’s examine what makes this television series … Read more
In the convoluted landscape of modern business, salary negotiations and compensations are often shrouded in secrecy, treated almost as taboos. While some argue that keeping salaries under wraps protects individual privacy, a growing movement pushes for open salary disclosure as a pathway to equity and fairness. As a financial psychologist who often delves into the … Read more
In the world of money, budgeting is akin to choreographing a dance. Every dollar, every decision, must move in harmony with the rhythm of our lives. Whether we’re striving to pay off a mortgage, saving for a dream vacation, or simply wanting to make our money stretch until the end of the month, the art … Read more
I’m 19 years old and recently received a $100,000 settlement from an accident, but after fees, I’ll have $60,000 left. As someone who tends to spend impulsively on things like video games, and who has never handled this much money, I’m worried I’ll squander it. My parents tell me that this money could set me … Read more
We’ve all heard the age-old adage, ‘Don’t wait to buy real estate, buy real estate and wait.’ This simple piece of wisdom encapsulates the allure of investing in real estate—a tangible asset, a source of steady income, and an investment that has the potential to appreciate significantly over time. Yet, for many first-time buyers, the … Read more
In the labyrinth of numbers and transactions that make up our financial lives, it’s easy to lose sight of the human side of wealth. But let’s pause, flip the coin, and explore the other side— emotional wealth. It’s not often discussed, yet it plays an underappreciated role in our overall well-being. Emotional wealth is the … Read more
We are often told that money and emotions should never mix. But in reality, our finances and feelings are so intricately linked that trying to separate them is like trying to separate the colours in a sunset. It’s particularly true for single parents who bear the financial responsibilities alone while also shouldering the emotional wellbeing … Read more
The decision of whether to sell your home yourself, through a Realtor, or via an agency is not one-size-fits-all, and the best option for you depends on your personal situation, financial circumstances, and the current housing market conditions.
We’ve all been there: you and your friends fantasizing about a dream vacation together, exploring exotic places, creating memorable adventures, and strengthening the bonds of your friendship. But when it comes to turning those fantasies into reality, financial matters often pose a formidable challenge. However, with early planning and strategic saving, you can make your … Read more
Are you staring down the barrel of hefty student loans while also eyeing the potentially lucrative horizon of 401(k) investments? If you’ve just landed a new job, congratulations! But, with that comes a new financial dilemma. The good news is, you’re not alone in this predicament. Many young professionals grapple with the decision to prioritize … Read more
It’s crucial to maintain an effective, supportive and engaging work environment, which includes caring for the mental health of your team members. Here’s how you can take steps to prioritize and encourage mental health in your workplace: The findings of the 2022 SmartDollar Employee Benefits Study reveal the significant impact mental health has on employees’ … Read more
When I first stepped foot into my own apartment—no parents, no roommates—there was an undeniable thrill. It was an eclectic mix of freedom, anticipation, and, admittedly, a decent dose of fear. While it was exhilarating to make decisions on my own, from what to cook for dinner to what color to paint the walls, I … Read more
Did you know that the word ‘mortgage’ comes from the Old French term for ‘dead pledge’? Sounds ominous, doesn’t it? Don’t worry – your house isn’t haunted, but there’s a fascinating historical and linguistic journey behind the name. A friend recently celebrated refinancing her mortgage. Amidst the excitement, she asked a question that stopped me … Read more