Lily Kensington
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
In an increasingly digital age, credit has become a cornerstone of financial independence. Yet, its intricacies often remain a mystery to many – especially the younger generation, Gen Z, who are at the beginning of their financial journey. As they step into adulthood, understanding credit, its management, and its implications on future financial opportunities becomes … Read more
There’s a deceptive simplicity in the roll of the dice, the spin of a wheel, the flip of a card. For John, it all started as harmless fun—a casual night out at the casino with friends. But what began as a distraction soon took over his life, spiraling into a vortex of lost time, missed … Read more
It’s undeniable that making a purchase can give us a momentary rush of happiness. However, for some, this can spiral into a shopping addiction or emotional spending, where the quest for short-lived joy leads to financial turmoil. Here’s a guide to understanding and dealing with these issues. Shopping addiction and emotional spending are often linked. … Read more
In an ever-evolving economic landscape, the term “gig economy” has been bandied around with increasing frequency. But what exactly does it entail? Essentially, the gig economy is an ecosystem where temporary, flexible jobs are the norm, and companies tend to hire independent contractors and freelancers instead of full-time employees. This trend has been on the … Read more
A question that lingers in the minds of many is: Is financial independence attainable for those who don’t come from wealthy backgrounds? Let’s explore this multifaceted topic and shed some light on the paths to financial independence for individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Financial independence is the state where you have sufficient personal wealth to … Read more
When it comes to managing ADHD, especially in the context of finances, our previous article suggested creating a routine as a possible solution. However, the feedback from our readers, many of whom have ADHD, has been enlightening. It is clear that a one-size-fits-all approach, like simply advising to create a routine, doesn’t work for everyone … Read more
After an exhilarating start, Julie’s jewelry design business is off the ground. She has faced and overcome numerous challenges and learned invaluable lessons along the way. Now, she looks to the future. In this final installment of our series, we follow Julie as she makes pivotal decisions and takes strategic steps to ensure the sustainability … Read more
As Julie’s online store went live, she was a bundle of nerves and excitement. Her phone buzzed non-stop with notifications of followers engaging with her posts, friends and family congratulating her, and, thrillingly, orders being placed. In this installment, we accompany Julie as she navigates the rush of her first sales, tackles fulfillment challenges, and … Read more
In the previous parts of this series, we followed Julie’s inspiring journey from discovering her passion for jewelry making to laying the groundwork for her business. We’ve seen her overcome hurdles, from learning the ins and outs of business planning to creating a captivating portfolio. In Part 3, we’re diving into the exciting phase of … Read more
In the second installment of our five-part series, we join Julie as she moves from dream to action. She is driven by her passion for jewelry-making and the desire to build a better life for herself and her children. This chapter will explore the crucial steps Julie takes in planning, branding, and setting the groundwork … Read more
Do you often find yourself wondering where all your money went at the end of the month? Identifying and understanding your spending habits is the first step towards gaining control over your finances. In this blog post, we will delve into methods that can help you pinpoint how you’re spending your money, and ultimately set … Read more
In the first installment of our five-part series, we venture into the early days of Julie’s journey. As we turn back the pages, we’ll witness the formative experiences that shape her passion for jewelry-making and the evolution of her ambitions. As I prepared for my Zoom meeting with Julie Littlebird, I felt a wave of … Read more
Lean how to start your own business by following along as Julie turns her dream into reality
When it comes to saving money, most of us are familiar with the usual tips – cut out unnecessary spending, cook at home instead of eating out, or switch to a cheaper phone plan. But what if you’re already doing all of that and still want to save more? In this post, we’ll explore some … Read more
Divorce is a complex process that affects all aspects of our lives, not least our financial situation. I remember standing in the kitchen of my new apartment post-divorce, feeling an overwhelming sense of dread. My financial safety net was gone, and for the first time, I was solely responsible for myself and my child. I … Read more
Retirement – a milestone many of us look forward to, imagining days filled with leisure, pursuing hobbies, and spending time with loved ones. While retirement can indeed be a joyous phase of life, it also brings with it significant changes, particularly in our financial circumstances and daily routines. Take my client, Tom, as an example. … Read more