No one likes to think about their own mortality. That goes against all the advice books on happiness that tell us to “live in the moment” or “don’t worry about […]
A Case for Unity
As we inch ever-closer to the U.S. presidential election, the division between people is becoming more and more apparent. Many people are declaring, “I just want this election to be […]
Warm News For Cold Nights (16 happy facts!)
As you’ve probably noticed, a lot of the news you get is not exactly positive. The media loves drama, and that usually means focusing on all the negative things that […]
Holiday Shopping Tips and Tricks
Despite sales and holiday deals, the one thing that’s often lacking at the end of the year is time. We spend tons of time finding good deals on gifts or […]
Small Holiday Gestures (that won’t break the bank!)
For many people, the holidays mean family get togethers, decorations, big meals, and presents…all things that can pinch the wallet more than usual. For some, holidays are stressful anyway […]
Hidden Back to School Expenses to Add To Your Budget
No matter how old your children are, back to school time can be expensive. If you have younger children, you may have to arrange after-school care. If you have older […]
17 Tiny (Low-Cost!) Ways to Brighten Your Holidays
Budget-conscious folks get anxious during the holidays. So much pressure to spend! Or entertain. Or take expensive trips. It’s a shame that all the expectations of the holiday season can […]
A tough conversation: Is a four-year college appropriate for everyone?
Today, it’s almost a given. You need some kind of higher education to even be considered for many jobs. But are we setting an artificially high bar? And does […]
6 Alternatives to Pulling from Your Retirement Fund
My last post addressed the dangers of pulling from your retirement fund before reaching the prescribed retirement age (typically 59 ½). In short, withdrawing from a 401(k) can be a […]
Play Vs. Savings: What will you do with your tax refund?
It’s tax season. For some folks, that means a significant refund is heading their way. When we find ourselves with a little extra cash on hand, it’s tempting to spend […]