We live in a world filled with alluring advertisements and seemingly indispensable products. So, it's no wonder we sometimes buy things we don't need and regret it later. In a survey on buyer's remorse, Americans attributed online shopping regrets to persuasive advertising and irresistible low prices. Plus, most kept their regretted purchases at home – but out of sight. We all do it. We buy things that sound and look appealing, even useful, only to have them sit and gather dust until they eventually find their way to the landfill. You know the items we're talking about – those forgotten object ..read more

There are few maxims in personal finance more beloved than “You should have a paid-off house in retirement.”  Whether they actually happen in real life or are just the stuff of legend, the dream of a middle-aged homeowner hosting a mortgage-burning party persists. But let's get real. In the hottest real estate markets, a typical thirtysomething dual-income household today has little chance of homeownership.  And if you're single? According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for a woman in her mid-30s is about $50,000; that buys you a $200,000 house.  ..read more

When it comes to return on investment (ROI) for home projects, kitchen and bathroom renovations often come to mind. But, more than ever, people value landscaping and curb appeal over other home features. And according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), landscaping projects are one of the best ways to increase home value (and add enjoyment). So, you may consider a landscaping project if you plan to sell your home or improve your outdoor space.  But is landscaping worth the investment? And which outdoor projects add the most value? This article covers all that and more. Read on ..read more

Estate planning is one of those things everyone knows they should do. Still, most don’t do it. According to a recent Caring.com survey, only one in three Americans has a will or trust.  And these statistics make sense when you see why people don't do it. Many believe they need more assets to create a will or trust. Plus, estate planning can feel like a big chore that costs time and money.  That’s not to mention confusing legal terms and the emotional energy required to plan for your own death. And yet… It's one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your loved ones ..read more

You’ve finally decided to be your own boss. You won’t miss your overbearing manager, endless meetings that should have been emails, or white-knuckled commute. But you certainly will miss some of the perks that came with the job, like health insurance or a retirement savings plan employer match. Fortunately, it is possible to put together a robust benefits package when you’re self-employed. We’ll show you how. Chat with Human Resources The first thing you should do is chat with your soon-to-be (or already) former employer’s human resources department. A representative from there can go over wha ..read more

Venmo is a payment app that makes sending and receiving money easy. And with over 80 million users and two million merchants, it’s super convenient too.  But, like all payment apps, Venmo has its downfalls. For example, there are fees for some transactions, and it can be difficult to cancel payments. And like other payment apps, users need to be aware of scams. Is Venmo right for you? With so many payment apps available, it’s tough to know what’s best.  In this article, we’ll look at what Venmo is, how it works, its fees, and more – so you can decide if it’s a good fit for you.  ..read more

If there is one thing that personal finance gurus all seem to agree on, it is this: You should have a Roth IRA account. Alongside budgeting and having an emergency cash reserve, it has assumed its place as bread-and-butter advice. And why shouldn't it?  What could be more attractive than being able to salt away thousands of dollars each year, have that money grow over decades free of tax, and then withdraw both what you contributed and what you earned in dividends with no tax liability at all? What could possibly be more delicious? But, of course, one size never truly fits all. The near-u ..read more

In early 2018, I left my corporate career in human resources to go on what I then called a sabbatical. Five years later, I’m a freelance writer, business coach, and writing mentor. The in-between is a journey I reflect on often, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to share it with you. Why I Started Freelancing I started freelancing accidentally. During my sabbatical, I launched a blog that partially focused on personal finance. I made connections within the niche via social media and, after a while, wrote a guest post for a prominent website in the space.  When I got paid for my wor ..read more

The many fans of Jill Schlesinger – her podcast “Jill on Money,” her appearances on CBS News, or her 2019 destined-for-classic-status book “The Dumb Things Smart People Do With Their Money” – will likely need little convincing that the “The Great Money Reset” deserves a spot on their reading list. For those unfamiliar with the Schlesinger style (New York City smart ass), her new book will be bracing and ultimately enjoyable. “The Great Money Reset” is firmly planted in the post-pandemic world. It picks up at the point where the reader has already decided to fundamentally reset their life and l ..read more

Self-confidence is hard to define, yet it's a concept we all feel and understand. Many believe it's an essential key to success. When our confidence is high, it gives us the courage to speak up and try new things. But when it's low? It feeds our doubt and holds us back. Everyone has low self-confidence from time to time. Doubt and fear are natural human emotions, even for the most self-assured. But perpetual low self-confidence does more than keep you from pursuing your dreams, it can spill over into every aspect of your life. The great news is self-confidence is like a muscle you can exercise ..read more