Opinion

A young couple having a serious discussion about their finances while sitting on the couch

Marrying Someone with Debt? Red Flags to Consider Before “I Do”

Netflix’s reality show, Love is Blind, had some standout moments. One of the most significant was the look on Matt Barnett’s face when his new fiance, Amber Pike, revealed she had $20,000 of student loans, no job, and no degree to show for it. To many watching at home, Pike’s reveal wasn’t breaking news since…

Jen Smith 13 Apr
woman at laptop contemplating her spending habits

How to Improve Your Finances Based on Your Enneagram

The quest for self-discovery is a never-ending journey. The more we know ourselves, the more we have to look at not just our good qualities, but our negative ones as well. A tool that many find helpful is personality profilers. These tests can narrow down the number of feelings, mindsets, and motivations and help us…

Jen Smith 07 Apr
A father helping his daughter move into her college dorm.

Should Parents Pay for College? 13 Important Things to Consider

As a parent, you want to give your children the world. But when it comes to paying for their college education, should you be responsible for footing the bill? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. A college degree can be a solid investment in your child’s future. But an investment…

Anna Baluch 06 Apr
Felicia Kelly working on her computer

Lifestyle Creep: Why My $120k per Year Salary Still Wasn’t Enough

In the summer of 2011, Felicia Kelly had no job and no home. She’d gone from making nearly $10,000 per month to having just $100 in her bank account — and that was from a friend. We often idolize people with six-figure salaries. It seems like they should have no problem paying bills, investing for…

Jen Smith 18 Mar
A classy married couple sitting on a couch but slightly facing away from each other. They have playful looks on their faces.

5 Reasons Couples Should Have Separate Bank Accounts

When Lindsey Lathrop-Ryan tied the knot, she and her husband Colin decided to keep their bank accounts separate. In their five years of marriage, this strategy has worked out well for the couple. They agree on what they need to save and invest based on retirement goals and discuss large purchases. However, anything beyond that…

Anna Baluch 16 Mar
teenage cheerleaders on the field during a daytime football game at the beginning of the fall season.

All Star Cheer Costs a Fortune, but I Pay for It Anyway. Here’s Why

I’m a pretty frugal person by nature. I use coupons when I remember them, mostly keep to a budget, occasionally participate in no-spend challenges, and have an overall handle on what I’m doing with my money. Plus, there’s not a whole lot I like to spend money on. Food allergies keep me eating at home,…

Jana Lynch 24 Feb
A somewhat ashamed woman in her early 40s with a shopping addiction, holding a bunch of shopping bags.

5 Signs You Might Have a Shopping Addiction

Most of us get carried away with our spending from time to time. Maybe you sometimes buy an extra item at the grocery store or indulge in some retail therapy. But there’s a fine line between shopping for fun and having a full-blown shopping addiction. Labeling yourself or someone else as a shopping addict may…

Ben Huber 17 Jan
A father hugging his adult son in the living room.

4 Reasons You Shouldn’t Lend Money to Friends or Family

If you’ve ever lent money to a friend or family member hoping to see it again, you’re not alone. According to Bankrate’s 2019 Lending Money Survey, 60% of Americans have helped loved ones with the expectation of being paid back.[1] Unfortunately, the reality is that you may never see that money again. Worse, you could…

Kevin Payne 16 Jan
A husband giving his wife a French bulldog for Christmas.

10 Worst Christmas Gifts People Need to Stop Buying

I have an aunt who loves to get Christmas gifts for everyone. Shopping for presents is actually her favorite part of the holiday season, but she doesn’t actually put a lot of time into thinking about the gift receiver. As a result, her hilariously bad gifts are donated to Goodwill just a few days later. …

Jen Smith 03 Jan
A depressed looking man sitting at home alone in his living room

Is Working From Home Bad for Your Mental Health?

Working from home is becoming an increasingly popular option for full- and part-time employees. When you think of a work-from-home employee, you might conjure an image of someone in their pajamas, working odd hours from their couch, phone and laptop in hand. Unlike someone who works in an office, remote workers often have the freedom…

Anna Baluch 20 Dec