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.
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
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
Let’s begin a little journey, you and I, walking through the vibrant streets of Addis Ababa. Notice the colorful market stalls, each one brimming with fragrant spices, fresh produce, and skillfully crafted wares. This isn’t just a typical market scene; it’s a vibrant tapestry of age-old wisdom on saving and spending. Money, like water, must … 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
Personal finance – two words that can either strike fear or spark intrigue, but either way, they are not to be ignored. Just like the Ethiopian farmers meticulously count their chickens at the end of the day, knowing exactly how many they have, and how many they can afford to sell or breed, we too … Read more
We live in a world where ownership is revered, where an individual’s worth is often assessed by their collection of tangible assets. From corner offices to white picket fences, the race for personal accumulation defines many a life. But there exists a strikingly different, less traveled path, one that challenges the wisdom of singular ownership … Read more
Ah, fintech. It’s one of those buzzwords that’s everywhere you turn. You hear it on the news, you see it in your social media feeds, but it remains somewhat of a nebulous concept to many. If you’ve found yourself wondering what fintech means for you and how it’s shaping our world, you’ve come to the … Read more
Every day, we make decisions – some big, some small – that shape the trajectory of our lives. From what we eat for breakfast to where we choose to live, each choice has potential financial implications that can add up over time. Yet, the link between our lifestyle choices and our financial health is often … Read more
When we think of personal finance, we often envision solo ventures—individual savings goals, retirement plans, or perhaps those solo jaunts to the car dealership. But what if we flipped the script? What if we began viewing personal finance not just as an individual endeavor, but as a collective journey? Welcome to the world of solidarity … Read more
Deciding between postpaid, prepaid, or resold mobile services can be tricky. Each option offers its unique perks and potential drawbacks, and your choice largely depends on your usage patterns, budget, and desired customer service experience. The Postpaid Advantage If you desire unlimited calls, texts, superior customer service, and the option to finance your phone through … 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
Poker and personal finance may seem like strange bedfellows at first glance. After all, one invokes images of risk-taking and high-stakes drama, while the other is often associated with careful planning, savings, and long-term stability. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find some surprisingly potent parallels. Just as in a game of poker, managing … Read more
For many student loan borrowers, income-driven repayment (IDR) plans are often seen as a lifeline, providing a lower student loan payment with the promise of loan forgiveness after 20 or 25 years. These plans, backed by the Department of Education, present an attractive proposition for those burdened with hefty student loan debt. However, a deeper … Read more
Remember, understanding the difference between financial fact and fiction is a key step towards financial literacy and independence. Arm yourself with the right knowledge and pave your way to financial success.
Remember those classic 90s movies where a group of misfits band together to take down the big bad bully? They were never the same kind of people, yet they found common ground, forged alliances, and inevitably kicked some serious butt. Unionizing your workplace might not be as glamorous as Hollywood makes it out to be, … 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
The first time I encountered the concept of risk and reward was not in an investing book or during a finance class. Instead, it was during a daring rescue mission in Space Invaders, where I had to decide whether to go for the high-score alien (high risk, high reward) or play it safe and clear … Read more
Our actions, small as they may seem, can ripple out and make a difference. A drop of coffee can spread in the cup; likewise, our collective efforts can spread and impact society at large. It’s a bit like making coffee: start with a single bean, apply some heat, and before you know it, you’ve created something robust, warm, and powerful.
As the first generation to grow up with the Internet at their fingertips, Gen Z’s interaction with money is, unsurprisingly, closely intertwined with their digital lives. A significant part of this digital life revolves around social media, which has evolved into a powerful force that shapes their perceptions, influences their decisions, and inevitably impacts their … Read more
Navigating the maze of personal finance can often feel daunting, especially when it comes to understanding and managing credit. Yet, it’s a critical aspect of financial health that holds the potential to open or close doors, quite literally. Let me tell you a story. A close friend of mine, let’s call him Jake, was a … Read more