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 […]
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 […]
Money-Saving Tips for Cold Weather
If you live in the frozen north like I do, you still have a good two months (if not more!) of winter ahead. Not only does that sound daunting to […]