Earn, Save, and Live Joyfully.
I sit on the floor, surrounded by a group of smiling first graders. “What do you want to be when you grow up,” I ask. Their hands shoot up high into the air as they enthusiastically call out their answers. “A doctor.” “A nurse.” “A basketball player.” “A builder.” “A teacher.” “A zookeeper.” They are … Read more
I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Are you ready? Okay, cause here it goes. My husband and I spend a ridiculous amount of money each month. I mean a r-i-d-i-c-u-l-o-u-s amount. And you know what? I spend that money without feeling guilty about it. You want to know something else? I … Read more
Sometimes it feels like I’m riding on a balance scale. Every time I direct my focus I feel myself moving. When I change my priorities the weight shifts slowly to the other side. Over the years the pursuit of wealth has caused my scale to tip primarily in one direction. My goal has been to … Read more
If I had to sum up the #1 rule for personal finance it would be this: “Think about the stuff you buy.” I mean seriously stop, pause, take a deep breath, count to ten, slow your heart rate down and then think carefully about whatever it is you want to spend your hard earned money … Read more
When I was pregnant with my boys, I nested like crazy. I spent countless weeks moving and sorting things from one location to another. This shouldn’t have come as a surprise. When life feels overwhelming, I often clean my house and sort my belongings. It helps me clear my mind. But each time I moved things … Read more
It’s been a long two months with my mom in the hospital. The drive back and forth to see her is long and I’m both physically and mentally exhausted. We are told that life is short, but throughout our day to day lives we tend to forget that fact. Rather than embracing the hours ahead … Read more
When you think about inheritance what visions come to mind? Jewelry, bank accounts, prized possessions, homes and properties? Material objects that you can wear, hold and even live in, long after someone has died. My grandmother placed tremendous importance on the money she intended to pass on to her children. In her final years she … Read more
As a personal finance enthusiast I read a lot about the so-called neighbors of the Joneses. Do you know these folks? This imaginary family that supposedly wants to purchase expensive cars, ginormous houses and extravagant vacations just to keep up with their neighbors. We are told their overwhelming envy and desire for social status forces … Read more
One summer, many years ago, I signed up for a meditation class. I was twenty-two, newly out of college and searching for a spiritual awakening. I had no idea what to expect as I walked up to the old brick building and made my way into the small gym inside. The class met every Monday … Read more
A fellow personal finance blogger, who I deeply respect and admire, recently asked me how I help my children embrace the concept of owning less. She specifically asked how I talk to my children about “not needing everything that everyone else has just because you don’t have it.” I thought long and hard about this … Read more