The Pros and Cons of Credit Cards, And How to Make a Prudent Choice on Whether to Get Credit Cards or Not. 

In the conversation about sustainability, there's often a strong emphasis on individual responsibility, on reducing waste, conserving...

I want to go beyond the usual advice like buy less, buy local, choose secondhand, fix and mend, borrow and swap, choose quality over...

How to Enjoy the Holidays When You’re Making Less Than Your Friends Navigating holiday gatherings when you're feeling financially pinched—especially if friends or family seem to be spending freely—can feel especially tough. It's easy to feel out of place or anxious about keeping up, and you’re far from alone in this experience. Recent studies show that nearly 70% of Americans feel financially stressed during the holidays, with many people worried about overspending and stayin

Many Americans face challenges managing holiday spending and debt, with the season often bringing unexpected financial stress. It's common for people to go over budget, and for some, the weight of last year's holiday debt carries over into the current season. You're not alone in navigating these difficulties. According to multiple studies, over 50% of Americans report exceeding their holiday budget each year. In fact, nearly 30% of consumers carry over holiday debt from the

Holiday gatherings offer a rare chance to reconnect with loved ones, creating space to celebrate shared traditions that deepen family bonds and friendships. And for many, holiday gatherings are also an opportunity to welcome new friends and family members, and new traditions. There’s nothing quite like the warmth of these moments, which can help nurture a sense of belonging that lasts into the new year. Financial constraints shouldn’t stand in the way of these meaningful gat

Recover from Holiday Spending and Prepare for Next Year

This article is part of the Emergency Budget Series  that offers strategies on how to manage money during economic downturns, pandemics,...

Sustainable bath, body and cleaning ingredients that are both practical and affordable.

The are many ways to overcome psychological barriers. They all start with you! Making changes can be challenging. Whether it's...

This article is part of the Personal Debt Series , where we offer practical strategies to pay off debt, achieve financial freedom, and...

Stop cutting costs that ruin your trip. Learn the 8 non-negotiable areas: from travel insurance and quality gear to local food, where investing your budget saves you stress, time, and regret.

Discover 50+ expert ways to save money on travel, covering planning, booking, transportation, food, and hidden fees. Master your travel budget today!

A comprehensive list of things to consider when budgeting for a trip.

This article is part of the Travel Budget Series that starts with " Steps to Take to Plan Your Travel" . Here I discuss what to keep in mind beyond travel budgeting when planning a trip, especially in the early stages of researching your destination. By considering these factors early in the planning process, you can make informed decisions and ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience. Research Attractions and Experiences: Look beyond the obvious tourist spots

The best category in a personal budget is "discretionary spending" or "fun funds" for those activities that nurture our desires and...

Creating a travel budget that aligns with your income level.

A vacation guide to help you through the pre-trip preparations, planning, and post-trip reflections for a responsible and enjoyable journey.

A directory of government and nonprofit support programs and services for food, housing (also homelessness), education, health, debt and legal services.

The Financial Road Map to Smart Car Buying: Learn how to calculate the total cost of ownership, choose the best payment method (cash, loan, lease), and employ expert negotiation tactics to drive away with a smart deal.