Get practical advice on managing personal finances, budgeting, saving, and achieving financial goals. Explore topics such as retirement planning, debt management, insurance, taxes, and estate planning. Enhance your financial literacy and take control of your financial future.
Behavioral economics is like the vibrant underpainting of a traditional economic canvas. It adds depth and color to the otherwise black-and-white world of traditional economics, painting a more holistic and realistic picture of how we make financial decisions. Simply put, behavioral economics is the study of psychology as it relates to the economic decision-making processes … Read more
Credit: a five-letter word that carries immense weight in our financial lives. A good credit score opens doors to opportunities – from securing a mortgage to getting a favorable loan rate. But what happens when your credit score is less than ideal? Whether it’s due to past financial mistakes, unexpected hardships, or simply a lack … Read more
In our journey through life, one of the most complex and often uncharted territories is that of financial communication with our loved ones. Money, an entity so deeply intertwined with our emotions, dreams, and fears, often becomes a source of tension in relationships. But why is talking about finances so fraught with difficulty? It’s not … Read more
In the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce, the age-old practice of coupon clipping has undergone a digital transformation. Gone are the days of meticulously cutting out coupons from newspapers and magazines. The digital era has ushered in a new wave of online coupon clipping, offering savvy shoppers a plethora of opportunities to save money with just … Read more
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
As our lives become increasingly digital, the opportunity for cybercriminals to infiltrate our financial security also grows. Online scams can take many forms – from phishing emails to fraudulent websites. Protecting your finances in this virtual landscape requires vigilance, knowledge, and proactive measures. In this article, we’ll discuss some effective strategies to help you avoid … Read more
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
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
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
Hey there, dear readers! Let’s explore the emotions that arise when we confront the unknown and discover strategies for overcoming fear and embracing financial empowerment. In life, we often encounter moments that stir up feelings of uncertainty and apprehension, and when it comes to our finances, fear can have a powerful grip on our decision-making. … Read more
Generational wealth refers to assets that are passed down from one generation to another. This wealth can take many forms – income, property, investments – and provides financial stability and opportunity to recipients. While generational wealth has many benefits, we must understand its larger impact on socioeconomic equity if we aim to create a just … Read more
HBO’s ‘The Wire,’ acclaimed for its gritty portrayal of life in Baltimore, is more than just a crime drama; it’s a treasure trove of lessons in personal finance. Set against the backdrop of the city’s drug trade, the show digs into the complexities of urban life, touching upon themes of money, power, and survival. While … Read more
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
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
We asked our readers to confess to their worst financial mistakes. Here are our 10 favorite responses (edited for clarity and privacy): These anecdotes serve as a reminder that financial decisions should be made with caution and thorough research. It’s easy to get swayed by emotions or external influences, but taking the time to evaluate … Read more
The American Dream is often synonymous with owning a home—a private space to call your own, where you build equity instead of handing over a rent check each month. But making the leap from renter to homeowner isn’t just about amassing a down payment and signing on the dotted line. It’s a complex journey that … Read more
I hope this email finds you well. I’ve been an avid reader of your column, and I really appreciate the practical advice you provide to help people make smart financial and lifestyle choices. So, here’s the thing: I’ve recently been inspired by a movement in my community that emphasizes the importance of shopping locally. I … Read more
In the annals of modern history, perhaps no two generations stand as distinctly contrasted in economic terms as the Baby Boomers and Millennials. Born in an era of post-war optimism and economic boom, Baby Boomers rode the wave of an expanding American Dream. Millennials, on the other hand, entered adulthood amidst the shadows of 9/11, … Read more
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.
In today’s fast-paced, digital-driven world, traditional 9-to-5 jobs are no longer the sole breadwinners. The gig economy, characterized by flexible, temporary, or freelance jobs, is burgeoning. While it offers unparalleled freedom and the allure of being your own boss, it also brings a unique set of financial challenges. How does one navigate the unpredictable waters … Read more