Lily Kensington
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
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
In the labyrinth of our psyche, childhood experiences cast long shadows that often touch various corners of our adult lives. Among these, financial traumas stand out as particularly influential, shaping our attitudes towards money, spending habits, and even our self-worth. Understanding and addressing these deep-seated issues is not only crucial for financial well-being but also … Read more
In a world driven by ambition, competition, and constant flux, we often overlook a simple yet profound act – offering encouragement. While the importance of technical skills, knowledge, and practicality cannot be denied, the potency of a kind word or a supportive gesture remains unmatched. Drawing from my background in financial psychology and personal experiences, … Read more
Cryptocurrency, once a term relegated to tech circles and financial enthusiasts, has found its way into mainstream conversation. With the digital age in full swing, today’s children are set to inherit a world where virtual currencies might be as common as traditional fiat money. As parents and guardians, paving the way for financial literacy in … Read more
Whispered words from grandparents, off-handed comments from parents, the barely audible sighs during bill-paying nights—generations past unknowingly impart their financial lessons in these fleeting moments. While some of these lessons serve as sturdy stepping stones, others might feel more like stumbling blocks. Many of us have inherited a tapestry of generational money beliefs, woven with … Read more
The grocery store doesn’t have to be a battleground where you fend off attacks on your budget. Arm yourself with these insights, and you’ll transform each shopping trip into an exercise in financial dexterity.
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