Category Archive

money

5 really good things to do with $20

So you found some crumpled money in the pocket of an old coat, or your friend finally paid you back for that pizza from six months ago. You’ve just had a teeny windfall! Since it’s feeling like BONUS MONEY, it may start to burn a hole in your pocket. But if you take a big, deep breath before you spend, you may think of a better way to put that $20 to good use…

Let’s talk about debt-reduction programs: Do they actually do what their over-enthusiastic radio ads say?

My husband and I have recently gotten pretty serious about getting out of debt. We’ve recently been paying more attention to those radio commercials that promise to “forgive your credit card debt!” Has anyone ever had any luck with those companies? Do they actually what their over-enthusiastic radio ads say?

Is there merit to merit pay?

My company is about to institute merit pay. Anyone work for a company where this has worked for them? How do I make sure I have “merit” without losing my soul to playing the merit game?

Should I just shut up and let him pay?

Maybe it’s because, save for a handful of first and second dates, I’ve been single for five years and used to making my own way. Maybe it’s because I’m in inching towards my mid-thirties and my perspective has changed. Maybe it’s because he and I work in the same field and, therefore, the same income bracket and I have a rough idea of how much he makes. Or maybe it’s just my strong sense of independence and feminist ideals… Whatever it is, I suddenly find myself in a position where after half a decade of buying my own dinners and buying my own drinks, I have a man buying them for me. And having a man buying them for me feels, well, odd.

Zero-Based Budgeting: Spend your money before you spend your money

My husband and I made a New Year’s resolution about five years ago to get our finances in order — we finally got around to it this year. After all the Googling and reading, the budget process that clicked for us was the Zero Based Budget (full disclosure this is the budget that Dave Ramsey recommends.) The way it works is this…

How to have a healthy relationship when one partner is unemployed

My name is Sullie, and my partner and I live below the poverty line. What’s more, my partner is unemployed and will likely remain that way for the rest of our lives together. So why am I okay with this? Because my partner’s health issues are chronic and difficult to manage. Here are our steps to living below the poverty line on a single income…

Stash emergency cash inside your phone case

I decided to print out a picture, trim it to size, and stick it between my phone and the clear plastic. But as I was trimming the paper, I had another thought: Emergency cash!

Investing tips for a clueless twentysomething?

I’m a 27 year-old mother of one, part-time barista, freelance editor, and clueless investor. I’ve only got a little to spare, risk makes me nervous, and I am CLUELESS when it comes to funds/stocks/bonds/etc. Does anyone have any advice on the best ways to start growing a tiny nest egg?