An unlikely star emerged on Netflix this past year. She is patient, polite, and she wants more than anything to help others organize their space. Her name is Marie Kondo, […]
Should You Buy That Cabin? (Hidden costs and considerations)
The allure of a personal cabin is undeniable. You have access to a sliver of space that’s all yours—a space where you can relax, sit by the water, and barbecue […]
Thoughtful, Yet Inexpensive Wedding Gifts (AND how to gracefully decline an invite)
In the upper Midwest, we often spend those long winter nights dreaming of summertime: lakes to jump into, bike rides to take, and evenings to spend barbecuing in the backyard. […]
Summer Jobs and Lifelong Finance Lessons
If you have a teenager at home, you know what it’s like to be treated like a walking piggy bank. Whether it’s a cell phone, the latest shoe trend, a […]
Budget-Friendly Summer Activities for Families
Summer is here, and all the excitement and sunshine that goes with it. For many, the months of June through August are packed with activities, especially if your kids are […]
Thinking About Moving After Retirement? First, Consider These 4 Things.
I’ve talked to plenty of people who are excited about retirement and all the changes it will bring. They dream about dropping everything, moving to Florida or Arizona, and living […]
Investing is Like Gardening
After a long winter, the upper Midwest is finally coming back to life. Everywhere you look, people are tending to their yards, planting flowers, and preparing their gardens. There’s something comforting and […]
3 Ways to Trick Yourself Into Saving Money!
For many people, saving money is a mental game. We may claim we don’t have any extra to sock away each month, and yet we spend money on all kinds […]
When a relationship lacks financial transparency…
I recently heard a statistic that 20% of all committed couples hide finances from each other. That means one person out of every five has a secret bank account, credit card, […]
35 Days Without An Income (the importance of an emergency fund)
Car repairs. Leaky roof. Family emergency. Sick kid. When considering worst-case scenarios, the list goes on. Life is full of unexpected situations that are not only financially expensive, but emotionally […]